Sociopath: A Memoir

Content Warning: The source material includes descriptions of sociopathic behavior, violence, the harming of animals, and suicidal ideation.

Patric Gagne introduces herself as an apparently “normal” woman. She is a therapist, a loving mother and wife, and is well-liked. She is also a sociopath. From the age of seven, Gagne knew she wasn’t like most other children. She experienced happiness and anger but not “social emotions” like love, empathy, guilt, and remorse. Most of the time, she was devoid of feelings, and this apathy compelled her to do “bad” things to feel something.

Gagne discovered the word “sociopath” but found its definition was not in the dictionary. Her desire to understand her condition finally led to a PhD in psychology. She now understands the link between anxiety and apathy in sociopaths and how it often leads to destructive or violent behavior.

Gagne points out that the cultural associations of the word sociopath are entirely negative. She wrote her memoir to humanize sociopaths and to represent the condition honestly. The author also wanted to help other sociopaths and highlight their need for support. An estimated 15 million Americans are sociopaths, but there is little treatment available to them.