Why do psychopaths go after what they want regardless of the negative consequences they may experience? According to the journal Nature Neuroscience, the answer may be chemical—an overactive dopamine reward system.
Read Driven toward reward without regard for consequence on Time.com.
Read the scientific study, Mesolimbic dopamine reward system hypersensitivity in individuals with psychopathic traits, in Nature Neuroscience.
Link submitted by a Lovefraud reader via Facebook.
Our Family Wizard can help you co-parent with a sociopath
sabrina
E, I just read your previous post, I see how much youve been thru, sacrificing for your child, while all the the time being sacrificed by the hands of a cruel S. Im just so thankful you are away from that jerk! And that your son is too. You all deserve peace and happiness!
wakingup
Hi, I have chosen the screen name WakingUp because I feel that this is exactly what Im beginning to do. I have a long sordid tale to tell and perhaps someone here can direct me to the proper place to tell it, as this site has been a Godsend to me. Anyway, I have a specific question for right now. I have been involved with a sociopath for 4 years and have recently left him. He has a history of steroid use/abuse. This man is 43 years old and he has an insatiable need for attention, and the steroids give him the physical appearance that garners him such attention. I know from experience and research the effects that anabolic steroids have on the brain, and not only has he used them frequently over the years, but he takes larger doses than he should and he “shoots up” more frequently than he should, i.e. every other day instead of the recommended three days. I would like to know if this drug use has any long term effects on the brain, or does it only affect the brain while he is using? This, along with so many other behaviors of his, explains so much of who he is. Funny isn’t it, the constant crave for attention, the need for recognition, fits in so perfectly to the picture of the spath? Any professional opinions would be greatly appreciated. Btw, I literally stumbled onto this place during my research into sociopathy, and I have not had the nerve to post yet, but I feel like I know all of you personally and I can’t tell you how helpful you have all been. I hope to engage more frequently, and again, if anyone knows the best place to tell my whole story, I think I am ready for anyone willing to listen. Reading all of your stories and comments for the first time has made me believe that I am not crazy and there are finally people who truly understand.
one/joy_step_at_a_time
hi wakingup –
welcome to lf!
well, you can just post here as a comment, or you can send your story to Donna with your permission to post – her email is available in the author menu to the left.
best,
one step
wakingup
Thank You!
One step, I think its interesting that you were the first to respond to me because your comments are some that I identify with most. I was reading earlier and found myself nodding and saying “yes!” out loud as I read things you wrote. Anyway thanks for the tip and I will contact Donna asap.
super chic
wakingup, hi there! nice to meet you! unfortunately i cannot answer your question, but i’m sure someone will know a bit about this, Oxy is an RN, and there are some doctors that post here also. The crave for attention, ugh, makes me sick!
one/joy_step_at_a_time
hi wakingup –
its so good to find that identification here. I read witsend’s comment to me earlier and i just KNOW she completely gets not only what i am going through and what is useful for me – but she does it in a way that is so gentle, when i need gentle the most. there is a lot of that here- things that fit. 🙂
I hope it will be a good place for you.
ErinBrock
Wakingup:
WEEELLLCCCOOOOMMMEEEE to LF!
It’s funny how we all seem to ‘stumble’ upon this site…..and it’s just the place to be…..
If you’ve been reading, you have seen the support here and ALL the information we can gain from the articles AND other posters….
I say….just tell your story….
If it applies to an article…..post it under that article….if you can’t find an aplicable article…..just pick a spot and get it out darlen!
I look forward to hearing more from you….and again….welcome to LF!!!
XXOO
EB
ErinBrock
ONE….
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…..HHHAAAPPPPY BIIIRRRRTTTHHHDAAAYYY DEAR ONESTEP……HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
(sorry, that was a bit off key) 🙂
I am hoping you won’t be here tomorrow….and your out letting your hair down and partying it up…..enjoying some peace and quiet, good company and friendship….
I want you to know…..I appreciate YOU!
Have a wonderful second half of your life darlen…it all starts NOW!!!!
Happy Birthday!
XXOO
EB
one/joy_step_at_a_time
EB! – Thanks. 🙂 the slightly off key/ colour are always the best!
tomorrow to the beach at a conservation area i love and sat night a little pot luck with friends.
might have to come here tomorrow night for cake.
wakingup
Wow, all the welcomes make me feel so special! No, really, I have had only one person who understands what Ive gone through, and it is so….. liberating to FINALLY be surrounded by people who truly understand. That in itself is one of the hugest weights being lifted. I can’t wait to really start sharing with you all.