Can you read between a sociopath vs. a narcissist vs. a psychopath? They’re all personality disorders used interchangeably, but they’re not the same.
You’ve probably thrown around the words, narcissist, sociopath, and psychopath when describing someone who you think may be one. But do you really know the meaning and differences between a sociopath vs. a narcissist vs. a psychopath?
Calling someone a narcissist is pretty loaded and not a label you should lightly use to describe someone, especially if you’re unsure of the definition.
You might know someone you can’t stand and spend a lot of time trying to figure out what they are. Hm, he must be a sociopath… no, no, maybe he’s more obsessed with himself than anything else… so… he’s a narcissist?
Medical definitions of narcissism, sociopathy, and psychopathy
Neither sociopaths, narcissists, nor psychopaths are uncommon personalities, whether they’re people we’re friends with, colleagues from school, or work.
They’re everywhere. But it’s important to know what both mean and their differences. [Read: Covert narcissist – what it is, 42 signs, and how to see the games they play]
What is a narcissist?
A narcissist has an over-inflated self-image. They think they are better than other people and are very self-centered.
Medically speaking, narcissism is viewed on a spectrum. It is simply a trait that most people have, but some are more extreme than others. If you think of it like a bell curve, most of the population falls in the middle and only a few at either end of the spectrum.
The Narcissistic Personality Inventory, which was developed by Robert Raskin and Calvin Hall in 1979, is the most commonly used measure of narcissism. The scores can range from 0 to 40, with the average being in the low to mid-teens. [Read: The narcissistic sociopath and the traits that make them so dangerous]
Healthy individuals who score higher than that might be perceived by others as overwhelmingly charming, especially when people first meet them. They might even come across as vain.
What is a sociopath?
Sociopaths are people who have an antisocial personality disorder. While they are also self-centered, the fact that they have this disorder distinguishes them from narcissists. [Read: Narcissistic sociopath – traits that make them so dangerous]
Mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to diagnose their patients. It states that someone with an antisocial personality disorder has a disregard for social norms, rules, and they repeatedly violate other people’s human rights.
Like narcissists, they can also seem charming and likable at first.
What is a psychopath?
A psychopath also has an antisocial personality disorder. And believe it or not, it’s not an official diagnosis. Instead, it’s an informal term that’s used to describe ASPD. [Read: Wolf in sheep’s clothing – 30 warning signs of a psychopath]
In fact, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders doesn’t even list psychopathy as an official clinical diagnosis. The true definition of a psychopath in psychiatry refers to someone with ASPD, which is marked by patterns of manipulative tactics and the violation of other people.
Some mental health professionals regard psychopathy as a more severe subtype of ASPD.
How to tell the difference between a sociopath vs. narcissist vs. psychopath
If you’ve been trying to figure out what’s the difference between sociopathy vs. narcissism vs. psychopathy, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are the differences between a sociopath vs. a narcissist vs. a psychopath. Sometimes, the lines are blurred. [Read: Signs of sneaky people – 20 things that should make you run]
Signs of a sociopath
Let’s start with the signs of a sociopath.
1. Sociopaths cut and run
When it comes to romantic relationships, a sociopath and a narcissist differ greatly. Narcissists cannot maintain long-term relationships, and they usually end badly. However, sociopaths will simply end the relationship once their mind games and tactics have been discovered.
2. Sociopaths will take you down
Here’s the thing, sociopaths are extremely dangerous. They’re aware of everything they say and do, unlike narcissists. [Read: Are you dating a sociopath? The disturbingly obvious signs]
See, narcissists are severely insecure, but sociopaths are often into playing long-term mind games. They strategize and spend their time finding out how to destroy you.
3. Sociopaths are cool, calm, and collected
Narcissists can’t handle socializing with empathetic people and will lose their minds.
But sociopaths may be completely cool and calm, they have it together. Their main goal is to collect as much information from people as possible and use it against them when the time is right. [Read: 17 symptoms of narcissism that make someone mean, aloof, and detached]
4. Sociopaths can alter based on their needs
With a sociopath, they’ll be able to adapt to situations very quickly and will show you how they want to be seen based on what suits them at that time.
If they need to be seen as responsible and trustworthy, then they’ll act accordingly. In reality, they have a hidden agenda behind their behaviors but the minute the agenda changes, they’ll change.
5. Sociopaths act witty or charming
When you hear the word “sociopath,” the words “witty” and “charming” don’t necessarily come to mind. Most people think they are diabolical and that everyone has an instant dislike for them. [Read: Love bombing – what it is, how it works, and 21 signs you’re being manipulated]
But that’s not necessarily true. Some sociopaths tend to be likable and funny. They can turn on the charm to manipulate others to get what they want.
This is part of what makes them potentially dangerous. Their outer personality might be positive and inviting, but their inner personality is much darker and more negative.
6. Sociopaths continually violate the rights of others
All three of these personality types – sociopath vs. narcissist vs. psychopath – are very self-centered. They think the world should revolve around them and that their needs are the only thing that matters in life. They lack the ability to connect with other people’s emotions.
Because of that, sociopaths continually violate the rights of other people. They are without regard for people’s needs and feelings. They will do anything if it benefits them, and that includes hurting people any time, any way. [Read: Duper’s delight – how to read the signs and avoid getting manipulated]
7. Sociopaths have early challenges with conduct and behavior problems
Most sociopaths have signs of antisocial personality disorder that come out in childhood. Caregivers, parents, and teachers will find them incredibly difficult to deal with because they show antisocial behavior and never follow the rules.
That’s not to say that all unruly children will turn out to be psychopaths. All kids misbehave from time to time. But sociopaths don’t care what others think and are often extreme with this behavior.
8. Sociopaths have aggressive, violent behaviors
Since sociopaths have little to no regard for the feelings, needs, and desires of other people, and have no problem being aggressive and violent with other people.
They don’t care that they are hurting someone with their actions. All they think about is getting their way. With that, they also have tendencies of criminal behavior without caring about the consequences of their actions. [Read: Narcissistic abuse – 16 subtle signs a narcissist is abusing you]
They also have difficulty controlling the emotions that lead to their aggressive and violent behaviors. They don’t have any self-control, nor do they care about trying to have any.
Causes of sociopathy
There are a wide variety of causes of sociopathy. Some of the most common ones include:
a. Rejection from parents
b. Growing up in a violent family or neighborhood
c. Associating with delinquent peers growing up
d. Rejection from friends and other people
e. Lack of supervision
f. Frequent changes in caregivers, such as foster care
g. Large family size and being ignored
h. Child abuse *physical, emotional, sexual, and/or neglect*
[Read: Hoovering – what it is, how narcissists use it, and how to avoid falling for it]
Signs of a narcissist
Now, let’s move on to talk about the signs of narcissistic personality disorder.
1. For people with narcissism, it’s about being admired
A narcissist’s focus is not really on being a winner, in their heads, they want to be admired and adored by everyone else. That’s how they view success. But for sociopaths, all they want to do is win.
2. Narcissists will work hard
The only reason why a person with a narcissistic personality will work hard is for validation. They feel they deserve to be recognized and they need to be admired.
If they’re getting credit and recognition as being the best, they’re hard workers. Sociopathic people, on the other hand, will try to do as little as possible. [Read: How to survive the power of the narcissistic duping delight]
3. Narcissists love themselves
They’re not interested in what’s going on in your life or the struggles you’re facing. They want you to listen to them and only them.
They love themselves, and you’ll notice this right away. But sociopaths, get as much information from you and use it against you.
4. Narcissists aren’t aware of other people’s feelings
People with NPD may not realize how their behavior affects others. They don’t notice how their behavior angers and frustrates other people. But sociopaths are fully aware of their emotional effect on people. [Read: Are you being gaslighted? Signs someone’s messing with your head]
5. Narcissists will bully you
They are often envious of others. To validate themselves and hide their insecurities, people with NPD have no problem degrading you and bullying you.
This is because they see you as a threat and feel the need to hold their position. If they supported you, it would be a disaster in their world. If you know someone in your life like this, you could be dealing with a narcissist.
6. Narcissists will talk about them
And only them. Sure, they’ll hear what you have to say, but they’ll find a way to bring the topic back to them. They can only talk about things they know or are interested in, and usually, every topic is, well, about them.
7. Narcissists lack empathy for the feelings or experiences of others
Empathy for others is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see a situation from their perspective, not just your own.
Most people have the capacity for empathy at least to some degree, but narcissists are just unable to empathize. [Read: 24 signs of people who lack empathy to know they don’t care what you think]
Because they have an exaggerated sense of entitlement, they can only think about their own feelings or interests. They can’t relate to other people’s heartache, and they certainly don’t care about how their own negative actions affect others either.
8. Narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance
Those with narcissistic traits think they are better than everyone else. Well, at least that’s how they act. Their words and actions make other people think that they think that they are superior in all ways.
However, even though it seems like narcissists love themselves more than anyone else, they really don’t deep down.
This “self-loving” behavior is actually rooted in insecurity. That’s why they act that way – because they are overcompensating for their own shortcomings. [Read: Signs to spot a narcissist and read NPD traits in a relationship instantly]
9. Narcissists are attention-seekers
Because they have an inflated and grandiose image of themselves, they are likely to seek attention. They want everyone to notice them and admire everything about them.
That means that they will probably brag a lot in order to try to show other people how “great” they are. They also want to be the life of the party and have other people admire them and want to be with them. This gives them a feeling of power.
10. Narcissists are charming
Just like sociopaths, narcissists can also be quite charming. They are intelligent enough to know that if they are not charming and likable, then no one will want to pay attention to them. [Read: Why people fall for narcissists and secrets that make them so addictive]
Narcissists need to fool other people into thinking that they are awesome people in order to hook them and reel them into their lives. It’s like the bait they are putting out and others are taking it hook-link-and-sinker. They know that’s the only way people will give them attention.
Causes of narcissism
And now you’re probably wondering what causes someone to become a narcissist. Here are some of the most important ones.
a. Family history of mental health disorders
b. Excessive pampering as a child by caregivers
c. Excessively criticizing as a child by caregivers
d. Changes in the structure or functioning of the brain
e. Genetics
f. Unpleasant family life during childhood
g. Childhood emotional neglect
h. Unrealistic parental expectations
[Read: What causes narcissism? The facts and theories to read a narcissist]
Signs of a psychopath
Finally, here are the signs of a psychopath.
1. Psychopaths are pathological liars
Psychopaths are pathological liars who lie without any particular reason. Usually, they create very extensive and elaborate lies too. It’s almost like they have a compulsive urge to lie and can’t control their impulse to make up stories.
Psychopaths may or may not understand that what they’re saying isn’t true. Some truly believe the things they say, even when they are obviously false. Others will admit that they have been lying only after they are caught. [Read: The biggest signs of a pathological liar and how to easily spot one]
2. Psychopaths have a grandiose sense of self-worth
They have a grossly inflated view of their abilities and self-worth. Psychopaths seem self-assured, cocky, opinionated, and a braggart. They will go around self-promoting whenever they can.
The reason they do this is that they are highly arrogant and believe they are superior human beings. They look down on “normal” people and think they are less than they are.
3. Psychopaths have a superficial charm
Like the other personality types, psychopaths can also have a superficial charm. They have a tendency to be slick, engaging, and smooth-talking. [Read: Narcissistic relationship pattern – the stages you have to face]
They are not shy, self-conscious, or afraid to say something and speak up. There is never a time that they will get tongue-tied and not know what to say. For example, they don’t follow social norms when interacting with people, such as taking turns in conversations.
4. Psychopaths lack empathy and remorse
Normal people feel bad for other people when they are going through tough times. But not a psychopath. Not only do they lack empathy for others, but they might also secretly *or not so secretly* revel in the other person’s misery and find it enjoyable to watch.
Whenever they do something to hurt others *or animals* there is absolutely no remorse for their actions. They have no concern for others because they literally lack the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes. [Read: Lack of empathy in a relationship – why it matters and how to fix it]
Causes of psychopathy
Here are some common causes of psychopathy.
a. Parental rejection
b. Lack of affection growing up
c. Genetics – a family history of callous-unemotional traits
d. Unusual brain structure
e. Maternal prenatal risks, such as toxins in utero
f. Brain injury
g. Abuse from parents
[Read: Selfish people – 20 ways to spot and stop them from hurting you]
What sociopaths, narcissists, and psychopaths have in common
Now that you have read through all the information regarding sociopath vs. narcissist vs. psychopath, you can see that there is a lot of overlap between them. Here’s a short summary of what they are.
1. Can’t apologize
Well, at least they have this in common. When it comes to apologies, neither will give you a genuine apology. Narcissists won’t even be able to fake it.
But sociopaths will tell you what you want to hear if it benefits them and keeps the ball moving. However, you’ll never get a sincere, heartfelt apology.
2. Change themselves for others
They’ll change their stories and behavior depending on who they’re talking to. For narcissists, it’s for attention and validation they’re higher than anyone else.
But for sociopaths, this happens to make you second-guess yourself. [Read: How to stop selfish people in their tracks – before they hurt you]
3. Lack of empathy
Well, you kind of saw this coming. When it comes to remorse or empathy, none of these personality types has that quality in them, which is what makes them sociopaths, narcissists, and psychopaths.
Sociopaths see how they affect others, but don’t care, while narcissists are unable to see anything from a different perspective.
4. Against following the rules
Do you think they would be where they are today if they followed social rules? Exactly. All three personality types never stick to the rules.
A narcissist simply doesn’t see them, and sociopaths break the rules and deceive others for personal gain – just like psychopaths who don’t process punishment in the same way that other people do, thus why they don’t respond to punitive behavior. [Read: Tips for setting boundaries with difficult people]
5. Poor team players
There are a lot of similarities between sociopaths, narcissists, and psychopaths and they all make poor team players.
Narcissists lack strong social skills and cannot accept when their needs aren’t met. Whereas sociopaths always manipulate others and the situation to avoid doing work or take advantage of others. [Read: How do narcissists control you so subtly?]
Treatments for personality disorders
Personality disorders are difficult to cure because people who have these conditions often have abnormal thoughts and behaviors that prevent them from normal functioning. They also have denial issues and don’t acknowledge their condition.
But if you or someone you know has a personality disorder, there are some ways that you can seek treatment for it. The methods of treatment depend on a person’s particular personality disorder. Here are some of your options.
1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is the main way of dealing with and treating mental conditions like personality disorders. It’s also called “talk therapy”, and therapists deal with the patients by encouraging them to talk about their condition. [Read: Relationship therapy – 25 clues to know if it’ll help your romance]
Topics that are talked about include feelings, mood, thoughts, and behaviors. The therapy can help the patient recognize and alter their inaccurate perceptions about themselves, other people, and the world around them.
They also dig into the person’s childhood to try to find the cause of the condition.
2. Hospitalization
Most personality disorders tend to be chronic and often require long-term treatment. When the symptoms are severe and other physical or mental conditions are present, then hospitalization inside a personality disorder facility might be required to treat the patient.
This could include residential or in-patient treatment. Many of their patients need the care of a skilled psychiatrist and trained staff due to their pervasive behavior and emotional problems. A residential treatment center can offer 24-hour monitoring and medical care. [Read: Psycho girlfriend – 16 creepy clues that reveal her insanity]
3. Medications
There are also a number of medications that can be taken for personality disorders. Some of these medications include:
Antidepressants – These can be taken to control and suppress feelings of anger, hopelessness, impulsivity, or irritability due to the personality disorder.
Antipsychotic medications – These are often prescribed for schizoid personality disorder or schizophrenia-related conditions. They prevent the person from self-harm or if they are losing touch with reality *psychosis.*
Mood-stabilizing medications – These can also reduce irritability, mood swings, and impulsive behavior. They are used to manage borderline personality disorder.
Anti-anxiety medication – Benzodiazepines are taken to promote a sense of well-being and should be taken as prescribed by a doctor because they can cause drug tolerance and dependence.
Prescription medications are often used as temporary relief for personality disorder symptoms. They can be taken while receiving therapy during an outpatient or inpatient treatment program.
[Read: Characteristics of people who lack empathy and suck your energy out]
Now that you know the difference between a sociopath vs. narcissist vs. a psychopath, you have a better idea of who is who. Do you have a sociopath, narcissist, or psychopath in your life?
