Sociopath: A Memoir (2024) by Patric Gagne, PhD
Through the combined use of anecdotes and clinical research, Dr. Patric Gagne provides a unique and informative perspective on clinical sociopathology. Gagne recalls experiences growing up with this inherent difference without appropriate understanding, as well as the challenges her caregivers faced not understanding how to provide her the support she needed and internalizing the challenges that came with it. Throughout her life, Gagne appeared on a mission to understand her own experiences, as well as find a way to cultivate authentic connections with others. This journey led to Gagne getting a PhD in psychology and helping to fill in the gaps on clinical treatment for Sociopathy, a condition that is no longer listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Ed. (DSM-5). According to Gagne’s research, roughly 5% of the population is believed to fit the sociopathy qualifications, yet there is only a loose reference to it in the DSM under the Antisocial Personality Disorder Diagnostic Features. But, based on the research presented in this book, there is only a vague resemblance and considerable differences between Sociopathy, Psychopathy (also no longer in the DSM), and APD. So I found myself confused by this presentation of information: there is a significant amount of the population experiencing this condition, but we are no longer acknowledging it as a medical condition (and only as a derogatory term–which only serves to oppress others), therefore not treating it and leading a(nother) subsection of our population to mask. So I appreciated Gagne’s use of this book and her story to help an entire population to be seen, to find connection (an innate survival instinct per Polyvagal Theory), research and identify effective treatment options, and share her own story of successfully finding a place in this world.
How did I hear about this book: Another @armchairexpertpod episode. I highly recommend listening to Dr. Gagne being interviewed in conjunction with reading the book. I appreciated getting to witness her in unscripted interactions.
Would I recommend it to colleagues: Absolutely
Would I recommend this to clients: Only if clinically appropriate
How do I apply this content to my work: Personality disorders in general are not among my specialties, especially Sociopathy and Psychopathy (considering I didn’t even realize they were no longer listed as clinical diagnoses) and I found myself stumped due to my own lack of understanding, awareness, and training on these diagnoses. I was also confused by the close relationship of Sociopathy and Psychopathy being linked with Cluster B personality disorders, given that my understanding of Cluster B PDs (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic) is that the personality characteristics are based on surviving/adapting to a history of trauma; whereas Gagne’s description of her experience and research of sociopathy seemed more like neurodivergent traits she was born with. So, I went back to my DSM for a little “light reading” (a Hermione moment) to get some clarification–is it that’s how I was trained or is it more that my clinical experiences treating these symptoms are co-occurring with trauma since that IS my specialty (chicken or the egg)? All that to say is that reading this book highlighted my own ignorance and my questions led to some additional research (that I’m still working on). This distinction, however, I think is an important one to make, especially so that I can refer them out to an appropriately skilled therapist sooner rather than later as opposed to digging for the trauma that may not be there and/or provide ineffective treatment. I will also be reaching out to my local networks to collect some referral sources and continue my quest for information and understanding.
And to continue to ride on the coattails of my own ignorance, as part of my Dance/movement therapy lens, I regularly try to help my clients connect with their interoceptive cues (emotion, soma, cognitive patterns) and was not aware about the prevalence of not being able to experience some emotional experience for some folks. I was under the impression that all emotions were an inherent part of being human, but required skill development to adequately identify, express, and process. Based on Gagne’s description of her own experiences and the neurological research described in the book, it appears there is a subsection of the population that cannot complete the neurological connections and comprehend the full emotional repertoire of the human experience and it is important that I am aware of this and am able to adapt as needed.
Disclaimers: These reviews are based on my own personal experience reading these books and do not reflect on the book’s author or publisher. I have not received any commissions or other incentives to promote my reviews. My reviews express my own unbiased opinions.
