Confessions of a Sociopath

''Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight'' is a 2013 book written by a female law professor under the pen name of M.E. Thomas, describing her up-and-down life as a sociopath. The book describes sociopathy as a disorder that consists of a spectrum of behaviors, rather than the more simplistic stereotype of serial killers. Thomas claims sociopathy helped her be a better lawyer, and in an interview, she suggests that revealing herself in the book helps keep her in check: "Because there's that much pressure and scrutiny, I think I actually will be more successful in continuing to be a good member of society." Lacking her own moral code, she relies on the teachings of her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On her agent's advice, Thomas requested a psychological evaluation from John Edens, a psychology professor at Texas A&M University, before submitting her book for publication. After administering multiple tests, Edens concluded that Thomas is indeed a sociopath.

The author later appeared in disguise on ''Dr. Phil'' discussing the subject. ''Business Insider'' reported that Thomas' book made the idea of a "successful sociopath" mainstream. A review in ''The New York Times'' described the book as "intermittingly gripping" and "a revelatory if contradictory muddle of a memoir". Prospero, the books and arts column in ''The Economist'', notes how the writing in the book clearly displays the characteristics of sociopathy: bombast, calculation, deceit, and charm.

Actress Viola Davis said she prepared for her role of Amanda Waller in ''Suicide Squad'' by reading ''Confessions of a Sociopath''.

A one-hour dramedy, based on the book, is in development, starring and being co-written by Lisa Edelstein. Provided by Wikipedia