What is a sociopath and how are they different from psychopaths? In this article I’ll go over some of the basics of what a sociopath is and how they may differ from psychopaths.
We’ll also look at the following:
- Sociopath vs. Psychopath: Are they the same?
- Are sociopaths born or made?
- Signs of a sociopath
What is a Sociopath?
Sociopathy falls under cluster B – disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional or erratic behaviors. Although most of us talk about sociopathy and psychopathy, the clinical term is antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).
The term antisocial personality disorder may seem misleading. These individuals are not at all antisocial. On the contrary, they are quite sociable, friendly and superficially charming.
They are antisocial in the sense that they reject widely accepted social norms with regards to moral principles and behavior. So then, what is a sociopath?
Clinicians describe them as individuals with a pattern of emotional detachment, high levels of attention seeking and low levels of anxiety and fear (APA, 2013).
Sociopath vs. Psychopath: Are They The Same?
The two terms are generally used interchangeably although they are quite different. In both cases there is a genetic component but these genes have to interact with the environment before the individual can exhibit signs of the disorder.
In terms of genetics, evidence suggests that there are differences in chromosomes and variations in the oxytocin receptor genes have a role in the development of sociopathy.
The role of the environment ranges from adverse childhood experiences such as physical and sexual abuse to childhood psychopathology.
The two disorders are often depicted in films and therefore confused with one another since they manifest in similar ways. However, it should be understood that these are two distinct disorders with separate diagnostic criteria.
Diagnostic Criteria: Signs of a Sociopath
According to the DSM-5 the main symptoms include:
- Failure to conform to the law
- Inability to maintain consistent employment
- Deception
- Manipulation
- Unable to maintain stable relationships
How to Spot a Sociopath
According to the APA (2013) the primary characteristic of ASPD is:
“a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others” since the age of 15.
However, this diagnosis can only apply to individuals aged 18 and older. Other signs and symptoms include (Ruhl, 2023):
- Impulsive
- Has a high predisposition to violence
- Displays of erratic behavior
- Excessive risk taking
- Criminal behavior is usually opportunistic along with impulsive or opportunistic acts of violence
- Lack of remorse for wrongdoing, but some emotions can be felt although fleeting and shallow
- Irresponsible
- Constantly lies to and deceives others
- Displays aggressive and reckless behavior
It’s important to remember that these individuals are able to empathize and have feelings of guilt or shame. But these feelings are only limited to close friends or family.
If you think someone you know may have ASPD, it would be wise to take a step back from the relationship. These individuals often do not know or recognize that they have a problem.
Impulsive
Being impulsive should not be confused with the occasional spur-of-the-moment decisions (Mutchler, 2022). Individuals with ASPD will act on accord with their own self-interest which may result in harm to themselves or others in the process. For them it’s normal to not plan ahead.
Constant Lying and Deceiving
These individuals will lie to the benefit of themselves. And they do it often. They may also:
- Misrepresent the truth
- Use aliases
- Manipulate or trick others for fun or profit
Their lies and deceit are accomplished through charming others and appearing likable. They are masters at hiding their true personality traits.
They can display a lot of the same characteristics as narcissists when it comes to their lying, deceiving and charm.
Irresponsible
Individuals with ASPD may ignore professional obligations and social commitments. This may come in the form of skipping work, not making deadlines or failing to pay bills either on time or altogether.
Excessive Risk-Taking
Taking big risks like alcohol or drug abuse, and unsafe sexual practices are normal for these individuals. This also means that they are more prone to viral infections and sti’s.
The death rate for these individuals are also a lot higher due to accidents and traumatic injuries from excessive risk-taking. They disregard safety – not only for themselves but others too.
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