Not All Sociopaths Are Serial Killers—Here’s Proof

Not all sociopaths are serial killers. In this fascinating interview, a diagnosed sociopath (and former therapist) shares what it’s really like to live with sociopathy—and why it’s not always what you think.

I would be lying if I said I’ve never paused mid-thought and asked myself, “Wait… am I a sociopath?” Usually, this happens when I’m unreasonably calm while everyone else is spiraling, or when I respond to something in a way that feels a little left of “normal.” But here’s the thing: my empathy runs over—floods, really—and that’s not always a good thing either. So while I may question my levels of sociopathy from time to time, I don’t actually believe I fall into that category.

And yet, thanks to pop culture, the word “sociopath” tends to conjure up images of serial killers and con artists. It’s the Hannibal Lecters, the Patrick Batemans, the fictionalized monsters of TV and film. The truth? That’s not the full story. Not all sociopaths are criminals—far from it—but the stereotype is so entrenched that we rarely think beyond it. So what does it actually mean to be a sociopath?

Patric Gagne’s story

In the video below, author Patric Gagne, a clinically diagnosed sociopath—who also worked as a therapist—pulls back the curtain and shares what the label means for her, how she experiences life, and how she’s learned to accept it. Some of what she says is surprisingly relatable: not caring as much about what others think, making decisions based on logic rather than messy emotions. Honestly, it made me think—maybe a well-trained sociopath would make an incredible therapist.

The interview is long, but it’s fascinating—a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the mind of a fully functioning (non-serial-killer) sociopath. Find out why Netflix’s Wednesday Addams, the character of Larry David, and everyone’s favorite serial killer, Dexter, resonate with her. Definitely worth the watch!

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