Confessions of a Sociopath

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Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight
Confessions of a Sociopath.jpg
First edition
AuthorM.E. Thomas
LanguageEnglish
Genre Autobiography
Psychology
Publisher Crown Publishers (US)
Sidgwick and Jackson (UK)
Publication date
14 May 2013
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
United States
Media typePrint (Hardcover)
Pages163
ISBN 978-0-307-95666-8

Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight is a 2013 book written by a female law professor under the pen name of M.E. Thomas, describing her up-and-down life as a sociopath. [1] The book describes sociopathy as a disorder that consists of a spectrum of behaviors, rather than the more simplistic stereotype of serial killers. [2] Thomas claims sociopathy helped her be a better lawyer, [3] and in an interview, she suggests that revealing herself in the book helps keep her in check: "Because there's that much pressure and scrutiny, I think I actually will be more successful in continuing to be a good member of society." [4] Lacking her own moral code, she relies on the teachings of her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [5]

On her agent's advice, Thomas requested a psychological evaluation from John Edens, a psychology professor at Texas A&M University, before submitting her book for publication. After administering multiple tests, Edens concluded that Thomas is indeed a sociopath. [2]

The author later appeared in disguise on Dr. Phil discussing the subject. [6] Business Insider reported that Thomas' book made the idea of a "successful sociopath" mainstream. [7] A review in The New York Times described the book as "intermittingly gripping" and "a revelatory if contradictory muddle of a memoir". [8] Prospero, the books and arts column in The Economist , notes how the writing in the book clearly displays the characteristics of sociopathy: bombast, calculation, deceit, and charm. [9]

Actress Viola Davis said she prepared for her role of Amanda Waller in Suicide Squad by reading Confessions of a Sociopath. [10]

A one-hour dramedy, based on the book, is in development, starring and being co-written by Lisa Edelstein. [11]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Inside the Mind of a Sociopath". Health News Florida. June 9, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Dickson, Caitlin (June 3, 2019). "How to Spot a Sociopath (Hint: It Could Be You)". Daily Beast . Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  3. ↑ Dodgson, Lindsay (May 20, 2018). "The 10 professions with the most psychopaths". Business Insider . Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  4. ↑ Leung, Wency (May 23, 2013). "What's it like being a sociopath? A memoir takes you inside her head". The Globe and Mail . Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  5. ↑ Critchley, Cheryl (December 14, 2013). "The signs of the 'everyday' sociopath". Herald Sun . Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  6. ↑ ""I Abducted a Baby"/ Confessions of a Sociopath". Dr. Phil. 15 May 2003. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  7. ↑ Dodgson, Lindsay (December 20, 2016). "Sociopaths are hiding in plain sight — so we asked one how he does it". Business Insider . Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  8. ↑ Ronson, Jon (June 16, 2013). "Feelings?". The New York Times . Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  9. ↑ "Be a sociopath—or just act like one". The Economist . August 15, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  10. ↑ "New Stills From The Highly Anticipated Suicide Squad Have Emerged". PopWrapped. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  11. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (January 19, 2018). "Lisa Edelstein To Topline 'Confessions of a Sociopath' Dramedy In Works At UCP, Recur On Netflix's 'The Kominsky Method'". Deadline Hollywood . Los Angeles, California: Penske Media Corporation . Retrieved March 26, 2019.


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