They both ignore the rights and feelings of other people and do not see themselves as guilty, causing harm to someone. They are both liars and manipulators. There is much in common between them. Is there a difference between a psychopath and a sociopath? Yes, and a fundamental one.
Psychopath and sociopath are two terms used in popular psychology to describe people with antisocial personality disorder. There are differences between them. But first, let’s talk about what they have in common. A common feature is ignoring the safety of others, their feelings and rights, a tendency to deceive and manipulate.
Contrary to popular belief, they are not always quick-tempered and prone to violence. The traits of a psychopath and a sociopath, and more specifically, people with antisocial personality disorder, are defined in the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A diagnosis can be made if a person has at least three of the following symptoms in addition to the general criteria for a personality disorder:
- Regularly violates laws and disregards social norms.
- Constantly lies and deceives other people.
- Impulsive, unable to plan ahead.
- Irritable and aggressive, prone to frequent fights.
- Little concern for the safety of others.
- Irresponsible, unable to fulfill financial obligations.
- Feels no remorse or remorse for hurting others.
These symptoms begin to appear at the age of 15, and ten years later, the person is halfway to a personality disorder. What is the difference between them? The opinion of clinical psychologist John Grohol.
Features of psychopaths
Psychopathy is a congenital disorder, there is a genetic predisposition to the appearance of such personality traits (unlike sociopathy, which is most likely a product of social factors, environment). It may be associated with disorders in the development of the brain. Psychopaths have underdeveloped parts of the brain that are responsible for regulating emotions and controlling impulses.
As a rule, they find it difficult to create a secure emotional attachment in a relationship. Instead, they build artificial, superficial relationships in order to manipulate loved ones for the greatest benefit for themselves. People for them are just pawns intended for the realization of their personal goals. And no matter how much harm they cause to others, they rarely feel remorse for their own actions.
In the eyes of others, they look charming, reliable, decent people, with a normal, stable job. Some of them even have families and strong relationships with a partner. Quite often they are well educated, they can learn a lot on their own. Once involved in a criminal history, a psychopath will do everything to minimize the risk of punishment. He carefully plans the case and provides for all possible scenarios.
Examples of psychopaths in modern culture:
- Dexter (hero of the American TV series Dexter, 2006–2013);
- Anton Chigurh (the hero of the novel No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy, 2005, and the hero of Javier Bardem in the film of the same name by the Coen brothers, 2007);
- Henry in John McNaughton’s «Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer» (1986);
- Patrick Bateman in American Psycho by Mary Harron (2000).
Features of a sociopath
Sociopathy is the result of the influence of certain environmental factors, for example, the destructive family atmosphere in which the child grew up, physical or emotional abuse, or some other childhood trauma. They behave even more eccentrically and unpredictably.
Having the same problems with forming attachments, some of them, nevertheless, can maintain a personal connection with someone or feel like they belong in a group of like-minded people. But they are unable to stay in the same job for a long time or show the world at least the appearance of a normal family life.
When committing a crime, they act recklessly and impulsively. They are easy to anger, piss off, which is fraught with an outbreak of violence. Because of these features, the dangerous act of a sociopath is easier to foresee.
Movie examples:
- The Joker in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008);
- JD in Fatal Attraction by Michael Lehmann (1988);
- Alex in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971).
Which one is more dangerous?
Both are a danger to society, at least as long as they do not try to cope with their disorder. Psychopaths are more dangerous because they don’t feel the slightest bit of guilt about their actions.
They are able to emotionally withdraw from the actions performed. And for a person devoid of empathy, other people’s suffering simply does not make any sense. Many famous serial killers were psychopaths. But not all psychopaths and sociopaths have been or will be murderers.
Psychopathy and sociopathy are two different facets of antisocial personality disorder, which is diagnosed in approximately 1-3% of the population. It is more common in men and predominantly in people suffering from alcoholism, drug and substance abuse. Psychopaths are more manipulative and charming, it is easier for them to create the appearance of a normal life and minimize their involvement in illegal activities.
Sociopaths are more eccentric, go berserk easily, and are incapable of leading any sort of normal life. They do evil recklessly and without thinking about the consequences.
About the author: John Grohol is a clinical psychologist, science communicator, and founder and director of the American online community Psych Central. Founded in 1995, the site was ranked in the top 50 best sites by The Times magazine in 2008.