Sociopath

by Patric Gagne

“So, could it be that sociopaths aren’t incapable, but just have a harder time? Like an emotional learning disability?” “Emotional learning disability?” Dr. Slack gave me a quizzical glance. “Where did you hear that?” “Nowhere. I just… I figure if there’s nothing physically wrong with sociopaths, then maybe their problems are related to learning. Like dyslexia, but with feelings.” “It’s definitely a unique take,” mused Dr. Slack, “but I’m not sure it matters with regards to treatment.” “What do you mean?” I asked. “Why not?” Dr. Slack leaned forward slightly. “Human beings have a hard time living without access to emotion,” she said. “Apathy has an apparently profound, although dramatically under-examined, impact on the psyche.” She tilted her head. “Think about it: What happens when a brain—which has evolved over millions of years to thrive based in no small part on its ability to acknowledge and feel emotions—cannot access or interpret them? It must be frustrating, like phantom limb syndrome.”