This IS my ex:

The clinical diagnosis of sociopath or psychopath patients is called Antisocial Personality Disorder. Diagnosis in the past was usually limited to those over age 18 but with violence on the rise with adolescents, the medical field is finding it more beneficial to consider this disorder sooner rather than later. The findings are that Antisocial Personality Disorder is chronic, usually beginning in adolescence and continuing throughout adulthood.

Individuals with this disorder have little regard for the feeling and welfare of others. People with this disorder most often exhibit criminal behavior. They do not work. If they do, they are frequently absent and often quit suddenly. They do not consider other people's wishes, welfare or rights. They are manipulative and often lie to gain personal pleasure or profit. They default on loans, fail to provide child support, and fail to care for their dependents adequately. High risk sexual behavior and substance abuse are common. Impulsiveness, failure to plan ahead, aggressiveness, irritability, irresponsibility, and a reckless disregard for their own safety and the safety of others are traits of the antisocial personality. They do not learn from experience. They have no sense of responsibility, are unable to form meaningful relationships, control impulses and lack moral sense. There is often no change in behavior after punishment exhibited by the chronically antisocial. Emotionally they are immature, are self-centered and lack any guilt whatsoever.

Socioeconomic status, gender, and genetic factors play a role. Males are more likely to be antisocial than females. Those from lower socioeconomic groups are more susceptible. A family history of the disorder puts one at higher risk. There are many theories about the cause of Antisocial Personality Disorder including experiencing neglectful parenting as a child, low levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and belief that antisocial behavior is justified because of difficult circumstances. Psychotherapy, group therapy, and family therapy are common treatments. The effects of medical treatment are inconclusive. Most people with Antisocial Personality Disorder reject treatment. Therefore, recovery rates are low.

References:

http://www.hss.caltech.edu/~mcafee/Bin/sb.html

http://www.lovefraud.com/12_leavingAsociopath/Leaving_sociopath_psychopath.html

http://www.bookslut.com/scarlet_woman_of_selfhelp/2005_03_004676.php

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-sociopath.htm