Sociopathic Riddle (was: Re:Sociopathic Sirius?(and Paranoid Snape?)

[Audra1976 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 47262

judyshapiro at directvinternet.com writes:
> I'm saying that being charming should be part of the diagnostic
> criteria, but only in interaction with the other criteria. In other
> words, the constellation of being charming *and* fearless and
> impulsive indicates sociopathy, but being charming 
> *without* those
> other things is not a sign of sociopathy at all.  

"Charming" is not among the diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) for good reason.  A great number of (probably most) Antisocial Personality types are *not* charming.  They are misfits in society with little social skill.  Many spend most of their lives in prison.  

Young Tom Riddle was not in this category, but I felt the need to correct your thinking that all people with APD are "*both* charming and fearless." This is not at all the case. 

There are, however, many people with APD who are cunning enough and possess enough restraint to "mask" their disorder from society.  These are the "charming sociopaths" to whom you are referring. However even if these types far outnumbered the "misfit" types (which they don't), "charming" would still not be listed in the criteria, as it is a subjective description, not an observable behavior.  The behavior that allows someone with APD to come off as "charming" is *already* listed in the criteria: *deceitfulness,* repeated lying and cheating to achieve their end.

Tom Riddle seems to be this type of person.

The following is a compiled list of typical beliefs held by individuals with APD (from _Cognitve Therapy of Personality Disorders_, Beck, Freeman,& ass. p. 361).  I was compelled by how accurately each of these beliefs suit Tom Riddle/Voldemort:
1.) Force or cunning is the best way to get things done. 
2.) We live in a jungle and the strong person is the one who survives. 
3.) People will get me unless I get them first. 
4.) It is not important to keep promises or honor debts. 
5.) Lying and cheating are OK as long as you don't get caught. 
6.) I have been unfairly treated and am entitled to get my fair share by whatever means I can. 
7.) If other people can't take care of themselves, that's their problem. 

Audra, who would like to thank Ellen for the correction about jobs--canon, fanon, schmanon...it all seems to run together lately.  ;)