Sociopath vs Psychopath: Understanding the Key Differences

 

We have come across the terms like “sociopath” or “psychopath.” Commonly, both terms are used to denote someone who usually doesn't seem to care about moral values, tends to manipulate others, or takes the feelings of people for granted. Unfortunately, there are no official definitions of these terms in the latest version of mental health’s official manuscript, the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Mental healthcare professionals don’t officially diagnose someone as a psychopath or sociopath; rather use a different term instead, like antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).

Still, the term “psychopathy” describes certain behaviors that can be part of ASPD, and “sociopathy” means the same thing as ASPD. Surprisingly, “sociopathy” is the old name for ASPD. 

 



 

What does Antisocial Personality Disorder Stand For? 

If someone has ASPD, they will usually act against the socially acceptable norms and standards of society. The onset of this condition usually starts in childhood but can’t be diagnosed until the cold is 18 or older. (The  kids who have antisocial problems doctors diagnose them with conduct disorder.)

If someone has this personality disorder, they are more likely to:

• Manipulate or trick others for personal gain


• Commit crimes


• Take rules or the safety of others for granted


• Often act impulsively or aggressively


• Act coldly/rudely toward others


• Tend to lie about big and little things


• Barely have few, if any, close relationships


• Have trouble keeping a job or doing schoolwork


• Take unnecessary risks

 

Psychopathy

It is not a particular problem that can be easily diagnosed rather it is something that stands for a set of traits. Around 25%-30% of people who are diagnosed with ASPD also have psychopathy.  

A trained healthcare professional will commonly use something called Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised to really see if someone has psychopathy. Here is the list of 20 traits commonly linked to psychopaths, which include: 

• Insincere charm


• Suffer easily from monotonous


• Frequently lying


• Manipulating others


• Little to no remorse or guilt


• Least emotionally  reactive


• Cruel without the hint of feeling bad about it


• Always taking advantage of others


• Suffer from behavioral problems that start in childhood


• Do not take responsibility


• Involve in many illicit relationships

 



 

Psychopaths make up about 1% of the total population but 15%-25% of people in U.S. prisons. Researches show that psychopaths’ likelihood of breaking the law is 15-25 times more than others and end up in prison. 

 

Sociopathy

Sociopathy is also known as antisocial personality disorder or ASPD. Sociopaths don’t tend to follow society’s norms, are deceitful in personal relationships, and are reckless of the rights of others. Sociopaths usually act impulsively, are risk-takers, and are violent.

Unlike psychopathy, in which affective and interpersonal traits are important, behavior os  a person also makes ASPD unique.

 

Sociopath vs Psychopaths

If someone has ASPD or is a sociopath, then he is probably well aware that his actions are not right, but the catch is that may have the least empathy toward others. Consequently, it’s usually hard for them to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and do not understand how others feel. So, they do know that their actions do not align with the standards of society or can harm others, but that’s not enough to stop them from committing them. 

On the other hand, some experts say that psychopaths lack a sense of empathy or morality. Compared to the individuals with ASPD but with no psychopathy. They feel less regard for others. Others think it is quite difficult for psychopaths to predict when their actions can lead to harmful consequences. 

 

Are People With  APSD Violent? 

Even normal people can hurt anyone, even people with antisocial personality disorder. But it is not compulsory that anyone with APSD will be violent. However, people with psychopathy tend to exhibit aggressive behavior more frequently throughout their lifeline than normal people. 

Here are the results from some of the research:

Of people who were released from prison, around 90% who scored high in traits of psychopathy committed a violent crime within the next 20 years. Of people who scored less in psychopathy, only 40% did the same. 

 

Impulsivity and Reactivity

People with ASPD, even if they don’t have psychopathy, are more likely to be impulsive and aggressive. They do not have much control over their emotions. They are not a good future planner.

But if someone has psychopathy, then they are more likely to have good control over their thoughts and tend to intentionally plan out any aggressive acts. They tend to have very low levels of anxiety and are least reactive towards stress or punishments, which means they have low reactivity. 

 

Causes

The causes of antisocial personality disorder or psychopathy are unclear but many things play a part, such as: 

 

The brain

People with such disorders have differences in brain circuitry that controls behavior. Research has also shown that certain parts of the brain of such people are usually smaller, especially the areas that control empathy, morals, decision-making, embarrassment, and guilt.  

 

Genetics

This disorder runs in genetics, and you are at greater risk if someone in your family has it. 

 

Gender

These disorders can strike anyone, but men seem at a greater risk.  The likelihood of ASPD is three times more common in men than women. These statistics can be due to the reason that research in ASPD has focused more on men and may be underdiagnosed in females. 

Upbringing: Childhood trauma, abusive child-parent relationships, or unstable family life increases the risk for ASPD. 

 



 

Treatment

The treatment of ASPD is not easy because people who have it are not readily up for the treatment. Certain symptoms begin to show in childhood; if parents try to resolve it early, the condition can be improved. 

There are no solid studies that show that any kind of treatment is efficient for adults with ASPD. If someone with ASPD really wants to improve their condition, then try taking therapy to address anger issues or mental health problems. Medications can ease the symptoms of aggression and depression, but drugs are futile in treating ASPD or Psychopathy. You can even look for support groups if you think you have this disorder.

 

Conclusion

While there is no fixed treatment for ASPD or Psychopathy, certain drugs or psychotherapy can alleviate aggression, impulsiveness, and other mental health concerns. If your child is showing any symptoms, consult a good therapist with expertise in dealing with such cases immediately. Take care of your loved ones before things get a little extreme. 

 

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?

The terms sociopath and psychopath are often used interchangeably, but they don't have official definitions in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Mental health professionals commonly use the term antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) instead. Psychopathy is a set of traits associated with ASPD, and sociopathy is an old term for the same disorder.

 

2. Are people with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) always violent?

While individuals with ASPD may exhibit impulsive and aggressive behavior, it is not a guarantee that they will be violent. On the other hand, research suggests that those with psychopathy, a subset of ASPD, are more likely to engage in aggressive acts. However, not everyone with ASPD or psychopathy becomes violent, and individual cases vary.

 

3. Is there a treatment for Antisocial Personality Disorder or Psychopathy?

Treatment for ASPD is challenging, especially in adults, as they may be resistant to therapy. Early intervention in childhood, addressing anger issues and mental health problems, may improve the condition. While there's no definitive cure, medications can help manage symptoms like aggression and depression. Psychotherapy and support groups may also be beneficial for those seeking to address specific issues associated with ASPD.