You may have ever heard someone call another person a “psychopath” or a “sociopath.” But what really is a sociopath?, What is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?, and most importantly Do you know one?
The answer will not be found in the definitions in a mental health or mental disorder manual. Doctors don’t diagnose people as psychopaths or sociopaths. They use the term: antisocial personality disorder.
When you think of a sociopath, you probably think of the main character of American Psycho, or Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Innocents.
But like most mental health conditions, sociopathy, or antisocial personality disorder, has on a spectrum, and not all sociopaths are killers.
Most experts believe that psychopaths and sociopaths share similar traits. For example, these people have a poor inner sense of right and wrong. They also don’t seem to understand other people’s feelings. But there are some differences between these two disorders.
What is a sociopath?
A study published in HHS Author Manuscripts found that up to 3.8% of Americans meet the diagnosis of sociopathy. So you’re likely to know a sociopath.
But what is sociopathy? According to the Psychology Today manual, sociopathy is a pattern of antisocial behaviors and attitudes, including manipulation, deception, aggression, and lack of empathy for others. Sociopathy is not synonymous with “psychopathy.” Sociopaths may or may not break the law.
However, we could say that it is a syndrome characterized by misbehavior. People with antisocial personality disorder tend to be deceptive and impulsive. They ignore responsibilities and, in severe cases, have no conscience.
Difference Between Sociopath and Psychopath
Unlike a sociopath, a psychopath is genetically predisposed to be so. Experts say that psychopaths behave irresponsibly, ignore or violate the rights of others, are unable to distinguish between right and wrong, lack empathy, and often lie.
They also tend to show a tendency to take risks, have reckless behavior and manipulate others. They tend to be aggressive and narcissistic. Unlike sociopaths, however, psychopaths have a genetic predisposition to being so. Contrary to what many believe, serial killers are psychopaths and not sociopaths.
Characteristics of a Sociopath
Have you ever suspected that you know a sociopath? These are the features to look out for.
lacks empathy
Sociopaths are unable to empathize with the pain of their victims in case of committing a crime, they only despise the feelings of anguish of others and easily take advantage of them.
have no feelings of guilt
Sociopaths have a limited, albeit weak, capacity to feel remorse. However, they are capable of following social conventions when it suits their needs.
Behaves Cruelly
Sociopaths typically have a history of academic and behavioral difficulties, but get by by deceiving others. They often have trouble making and keeping friends and tend to be cruel to other people or animals.
Lacks fear or anxiety
Sociopaths tend to feel less fear or anxiety than other people. However, the range in which they feel it depends on the spectrum of sociopathy that is suffered. There may be sociopaths who are less afraid than you and sociopaths who are not afraid of anything.
is egocentric
Sociopaths are self-centered and act out of personal gratification. They lack empathy and are manipulative. On a biological level, they lack awareness of the feelings of others and are not interested in rules.
They are charming and exciting and because of this they are dangerous as they go to great lengths to hide their true personality and appear likeable. They also do not respect social norms.
manipulate others
People who suffer from sociopathy do not recognize the rights of others and see their selfish behaviors as permissible.
They appear charming, but are secretly hostile and domineering, viewing their victim as merely a tool to be used. They can dominate and humiliate their victims.
Shows off beautifully
Sociopaths are often naturally charming and have the ability to appear both naive and sincere. They are cute and charming, captivating and interesting,
This is due to their great ability to manipulate others, and it is what makes them more dangerous, as it allows them to convince their victims to lower their guard, prosecutors to reduce charges and judges to mitigate sentences. These manipulators are skilled at persuading those they want.
He has great mental agility and intelligence.
Individuals suffering from sociopathy tend to be highly intelligent and strategic people. They tend to have quick cognitive and learning abilities.
However, a study carried out at the University of Zulia concluded that sociopathy prevents or limits social intelligence.
This is the result of a combination of factors such as compassion, empathy, social concern, social performance, and social awareness. Because of this, sociopaths have a low level of emotional intelligence.
Has great verbal and persuasive ability
They are the masters of manipulation, natural Machiavellians. For this reason they tend to have very high persuasive abilities.
In his book Why We Elect Narcissists and Sociopaths—and How We Can Stop, Bill Eddy discusses how many well-known world leaders such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and many other political leaders and major statists display sociopathic tendencies, thanks to their ability to persuade the village.
Their interpersonal relationships are unstable
Sociopaths value themselves above others. They also do not take into account the needs and feelings of others.
Therefore, maintaining a healthy and lasting relationship with a sociopath may be impossible.
He often repeats the same mistakes
Sociopaths can repeat the same mistake over and over again. There is no study that proves it yet, however there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that proves it.
On the other hand, a study co-authored with Yale University shows that psychopaths, with whom they share some similarities, may feel regret, but that does not prevent them from repeating their mistakes since they are incapable of learning from experiences.
Has a high ability to lie
Sociopaths are good at lying and making up stories. Since they have no empathy or feelings for others, it is easy for them to make a poker face and make up a story.
When a person is lying, it’s easy to tell they’re lying since you can see it in their body language, however, when you’re dealing with a sociopath, this can be more difficult to decipher.
Causes of sociopathy
It is not yet known exactly what causes sociopathy, however there are some factors that could trigger antisocial personality disorder. Here are some of them:
Family background
Personality is formed during childhood and is shaped through an interplay of inherited tendencies and environmental factors.
The exact cause of antisocial personality disorder is not exactly known, but it is believed that genes play a role.
Child abuse
Although many believe that sociopathy has a genetic factor, there is much evidence that it is due to life situations and the changes a person goes through during brain development. Especially child abuse and bullying.
Dysfunctional Homes
A study published in Advances in Clinical Child Psychology concludes that dysfunctional homes are one of the main reasons why a person may suffer from antisocial personality disorder.
Brain Chemical Imbalance
In the study A Neural Basis for Sociopathy, published in JAMA Psychiatry, it was observed that various sectors of the prefrontal cortex contribute to the development of social behavior.
Some sectors of the prefrontal neocortex seem to play an essential role in personality and social behavior.
Injuries involving these sectors or brain chemical imbalance can affect the ability to make appropriate decisions and behavior.
Treatment for a sociopath
The first thing is to go to a specialist and determine whether or not you suffer from some type of sociopathic disorder.
It is difficult to diagnose a sociopath, especially since they themselves can avoid help and even lie, but once the disorder is determined by a specialist, treatments such as:
Psychotherapy
One of the best ways to seek help is through psychotherapy. People with antisocial personality disorder are unlikely to believe that they need help.
Therapy can help treat antisocial personality disorder. However, it is not always effective, especially if the symptoms are severe.
Medicines
There are no medications approved to treat antisocial personality disorder. Doctors often prescribe medications for conditions associated with anxiety or depression.
Family support
It is important to have the support of family and loved ones, since the person suffering from this condition may not seek help or even lie to avoid being diagnosed.
In a study published in IntechOpen, it was concluded that sociopathy is clearly a family disorder. That is why it is important that the family be part of the treatment.
Dysfunctional family relationships are made worse and worse by psychopathy. The longstanding belief that psychopathic individuals do not form lasting bonds with others has hampered therapeutic progress.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.