Introduction:
Psychopath and sociopath are terms used to describe people who have psychopathy and sociopathy. Both are mental health conditions affecting people. At times both these terms tend to be used interchangeably. Though they share certain clinical traits in common, many differences between the two do exist. Both are classified as antisocial personality disorder (APD), wherein the affected people have persistent negative behaviors.
What Do Psychopathy and Psychopath Mean?
Experts say that the terms psychopath and psychopathy are not official diagnoses; instead, they are antisocial personality disorders. Psychopathy is a neuropsychiatric disorder. Psychopaths lack empathy and remorse, show criminal behavior, and have poor behavioral controls.
What Are the Characteristic Traits of Psychopaths?
It is said that not all people with psychopathic traits engage in psychopathic activities. This is because a few percent of the population exhibit one or the other traits of psychopathy and cannot be considered a psychopath. Only those people with several psychopathic traits who engage in psychopathic behaviors and antisocial activities are referred to as psychopaths. Some of the most common traits exhibited by psychopaths are;
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Lack of Empathy - One of the characteristic traits of psychopathy is the absence of empathy and lack of conscience.
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Hurt and Manipulate Others - Psychopaths excel in getting their work done or achieving what they want by manipulating others.
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Lack of Guilt - If a psychopath caused harm or hurt or cheated someone, he or she does not even feel that they have done something wrong to them. They do not have a sense of guilt. Instead, they put all the blame on the opposite person and put all the fault on that person’s head.
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Narcissistic - The opinion they have of themselves is inflated. In this self-centeredness, they disregard others’ feelings, needs, and emotions. Their relationship with their loved ones (so-called) tends to be superficial.
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Impulsive - They do not have a second thought about their actions and decisions. In the heat of the moment, they make decisions and do not assess the associated risks of their actions like breaking the glass or throwing the mobile immediately in a fit of rage.
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Do Things Against the Law - They do not stick to the laws. They tend to break laws and engage in illegal business, and unethical practices.
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Unemotional - Psychopaths do not show emotions, and if at all they show some, they are not going to be genuine. They do not care if they have hurt someone. Others’ emotions do not mean anything to them.
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Callous - When it comes to earning a good name, they do not even think a second to blame others. Every time it is others’ mistake, and they only are the victim. They enjoy sharing stories where they would have taken advantage of others.
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Antisocial - Not all psychopaths murder as envisioned. Though they tend to be violent, most of them at least are not in reality. But they can get aggressive and result in physical assault.
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Lie a Lot - They lie a lot. To maintain a previous lie, they keep on lying. If they want to escape a problem or seem good to someone, they can lie whatever and however.
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Elevated Levels of Self-Worth - Psychopaths value them more and keep their self-worth at an elevated level. They are important to them and have their own rules.
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Irresponsible - Psychopaths cannot be trusted. They always play the blame game. They cannot stick to their words and keep their promises.
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Have Indiscriminate Sex - Sex for psychopaths is not emotional or love. They can cheat their partners, have unprotected sex with random people, and engage in illegal activities. They can even use sex as a way to achieve what they want.
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Superficially Charm - Psychopathic people look charming and converse well. They are liked by many due to this charming and charismatic behavior. They make and share stories during conversations where they seem more good and likable.
What Causes Psychopathy?
It is said that psychopathy is a condition that is inherited. It is a genetic condition. The parts of the brain responsible for the control of emotions and impulses are found to be underdeveloped in psychopaths. But apart from this biological factor, environmental factors like parenting issues, lack of parental love, affection, and attachment in childhood contribute. Psychopathy is more common among men than women.
Is Psychopathy a Mental Disorder?
Yes, but no. The term “psychopathy” does not have a place in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Hence, doctors do not diagnose a person with psychopathic traits as psychopaths, but such persons are considered to have an antisocial personality disorder.
What Do Sociopathy and Sociopath Mean?
Sociopathy is a condition where a person has limited empathy, conscience, and remorse and manipulates others for their benefit. It is nothing but another term for antisocial personality disorder. According to mental health experts, a sociopath has difficulty engaging with social norms. They cannot understand others’ feelings. Though they play mind games with people within their circle and strangers, act impulsively, and do not care about the harm their actions and decisions cause others, their behavior seems to be charming and charismatic. While some sociopaths do not know to recognize their wrongdoings, others just do not care to recognize their mistakes. Sociopaths can seem so normal, leading a normal life outside like every other normal person.
What Are the Characteristic Traits of Sociopathy?
The following traits can be expressed by people with antisocial personality disorder and can be referred to as sociopaths.
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Impulsivity.
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Callous (having cruel and insensitive behavior towards other people).
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They have a weak conscience, meaning they do not know what is right and what is wrong, and have a poor ability to differentiate and recognize the harmful consequences of their actions.
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Arrogant.
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Manipulative.
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No respect for others' interests, emotions, and feelings.
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Lie constantly.
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No feeling of guilt.
What Causes Sociopathy?
Traumatic life incidents in childhood remain to be the most common cause of sociopathy. Abuse in childhood, lack of parental affection, being neglected as a child, loss of parents, and separation of parents are prominent reasons. Such children begin to show traits of sociopathy during their adolescence and early adulthood.
Is Sociopathy a Mental Disorder?
Similar to psychopathy, sociopathy or sociopathy is not a diagnostic term. People having these traits are identified as people with antisocial personality disorder by mental health experts.
What Is the Key Difference Between Psychopaths and Sociopaths?
Both share similar traits, but they differ in certain contexts. Psychopaths lack conscience, but sociopaths have a weak conscience. Psychopathy can be inherited or be the result of environmental factors but sociopathy results purely due to the impact of external factors like abuse in childhood, or lack of bond between the parent and child. Psychopaths can more readily perform violent and criminal activities compared to sociopaths. Psychopaths are more dangerous than sociopaths.
Conclusion:
In the end, sociopathy and psychopathy fall under the term antisocial personality disorder (APDD). Their traits seem to worsen between the ages of 25 years and 45 years. After which, their condition improves. Management is challenging as it cannot be cured just with any medication or therapy. A lot of time, multidisciplinary efforts, counseling, psychotherapy, and the support of loved ones go into correcting the conditions. If there is someone with antisocial personality disorder, contact a mental health expert online and get to know what can be done to manage their condition.
