Sociopath vs. psychopath vs. narcissist: Not all personality disorders are the same

Many psychology buzzwords are used in popular culture and articles to describe concerning behaviors. Some articles may advise caution about sociopaths, others want to warn you about narcissists, and others may say psychopaths are at fault. The terminology differs, but the symptoms or behaviors you hear about may be similar. Some people may wonder if these words are three different terms for the same traits. However, they are distinct labels. 

“Sociopath,” “psychopath,” and “narcissist” refer to labels that were once used to describe personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They share some features and may sometimes co-occur in a single person. In addition, some people may show sociopathic, psychopathic, or narcissistic traits without having a personality disorder. To understand the difference between these terms, reviewing what they have in common and what may differ between them can be helpful. 

What is a personality disorder?

Psychopathy, sociopathy, and narcissism were once used to describe people with specific personality disorders or traits. In the present, psychologists use the actual diagnostic terms for each personality disorder to label them. These conditions can significantly impact one’s overall attitude, worldview, and behavior patterns.

The American Psychiatric Association notes that a personality disorder tends to be evident fairly early in life and may persist with little change over time. Someone with one of these mental health disorders may not seek treatment because their way of looking at and approaching the world seems correct to them.

However, these conditions often lead to significant distress and adverse life outcomes. How a person thinks, feels, and behaves may put them at odds with accepted societal expectations when living with a personality disorder. This difference can lead to serious conflicts with other people, making it challenging to thrive.

The personality disorders listed in the DSM-5 include the following: 

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) 
• Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) 
• Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) 
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) 
• Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) 
• Avoidant personality disorder (APD) 
• Dependent personality disorder (DPD) 
• Schizoid personality disorder 

These disorders are listed into cluster A, B, and C categories within the DSM to define specific characteristics common in these conditions. Psychopathy, sociopathy, and narcissism are commonly used in pop culture when referring to borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. However, these terms can be stigmatizing, so psychologists use the names of the conditions to refer to their symptoms. 

Sociopath vs. psychopath vs. narcissist: The most infamous personality disorders

When people use words like “sociopath” and “narcissist,” they may not have a precise understanding of what they mean. These terms originated as descriptors for people with specific mental disorders. Below are further explanations of what these terms may have meant. 

Sociopathy 

Sociopathy was once used to refer to someone with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). ASPD involves symptoms like disregarding the feelings, wishes, and rights of others in favor of selfish and impulsive actions. The term “sociopath” is considered outdated in the psychological community.

Narcissism 

Narcissism is a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), which involves a self-centered attitude with an exaggerated desire to appear impressive to others. Although narcissism is a significant symptom of NPD, people without NPD can have narcissistic traits, as well. 

Psychopathy 

Someone referred to as a “psychopath” may have a cluster of personality traits, including limited empathy, manipulative behavior, lack of remorse, and a shallow emotional life. Psychopathy has some similarities with the symptoms of some personality disorders, though it’s not currently recognized as an official diagnosis. Some researchers believe it should be classified as a separate condition, while others consider it a particular subtype of antisocial personality disorder. Because of the word’s connotations with labeling people with mental illness as “crazy,” the term can be harmful when used to label a person living with mental illness. 

NPD and ASPD are Cluster B personality disorders, which may involve exaggerated or unpredictable emotions and behaviors. These conditions may lead to strained relationships and inappropriate, hurtful behavior toward others. These conditions have gained a dramatic, negative reputation in popular media and are often confused with each other. Education on personality disorders can be a step toward ending the stigmatization of personality disorders. 

Similarities between cluster B personality disorders

According to their official diagnostic criteria, people with antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder tend to lack empathy — the ability to adopt another person’s perspective and understand how they think or feel. This feature is found in psychopathy as well. 

People with these disorders may be able to intellectually understand the emotional suffering of other people with little emotional response. While they may be able to figure out what someone else wants, they might not regard those desires as meaningful. When they hurt those around them, they may not feel much guilt. 

A lack of guilt and shame can lead to insensitive, selfish behavior. It can also get in the way of developing deep and mutually fulfilling relationships. People with psychopathic or narcissistic traits may form connections with others out of a desire for personal gain or status. Their friendships and romantic pairings are often tumultuous and short-lived. 

Another similarity between psychopathy, NPD, and ASPD is an increased tendency toward aggression. Individuals with these personality types commonly respond with excessive anger, hostility, and vengeful, punitive behavior when they don’t get what they want.

Narcissist vs. sociopath: Key differences

Despite the commonalities described above, there are some notable differences between narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders, including the following traits. 

Desire for validation

The most characteristic narcissistic traits are a sense of self-importance and an urge to have that importance recognized by others. A person with narcissistic traits may fantasize that they’re special or superior to those around them. Simultaneously, they may experience an unstable sense of self-esteem and a desire to have others prop up their inflated image of themselves.

People with antisocial personality disorder may not experience the same desire for admiration from other people. They may care little about what others think about them, except when they hope to manipulate them for personal gain. Instead, their self-esteem may be based primarily on how well they can satisfy their desires and exert control over the people around them.

Violent criminal behavior

Antisocial personality disorder is partly defined by disregarding the rules and norms governing behavior. Individuals with this mental health condition often disobey authority figures, break laws, and harm others. This pattern of behavior may start in childhood or adolescence. People diagnosed with ASPD may also be diagnosed with conduct disorder earlier in life, a childhood behavioral disorder involving serious, repeated violations of rules and of the rights of others.

These occurrences are less common in narcissistic personality disorder. Though these individuals have a higher risk of criminality than the average person, they aren’t as prone to violent behavior as those with ASPD. If they do harm others physically, it may be due to reflexive anger, whereas someone with sociopathic traits may wield violence as a tool. ASPD is also sometimes associated with sadistic behavior in which they commit violence for its own sake.

If you are facing or witnessing abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. You can also use the online chat. 

Sociopath vs. psychopath: Key differences

There may not be a broad agreement within the field of psychology about whether psychopathy should be considered a different mental health condition from antisocial personality disorder. Some analysts suggest that “psychopathy” is a severe form of ASPD or a combination of ASPD with narcissistic personality disorder. However, below are some potential differences between the two. 

Exaggerated ego

A grandiose self-image is a common psychopathic trait that has more in common with NPD than ASPD. Different levels of self-importance may be an important way to distinguish between these two diagnoses. 

Shallow emotional life

Psychopathy may be characterized partly by low emotionality, particularly in response to the emotions of others or in stressful, risky situations. These traits may be present in people with antisocial personality disorder. However, this may not always be the case. Some people with ASPD experience intense emotions, frequent mood swings, and excessive anger. 

Perhaps because they rarely experience anxiety, those with psychopathic personalities also display a superficial charm, often known as “glibness.” They may seem extremely friendly and personable, with a knack for gaining the trust of others. This trait may frequently be used to manipulate and exploit those around them. 

People high on the psychopathy scale are also particularly likely to lack empathy and remorse. These traits may not always fit antisocial personality disorder, as people with this condition may sometimes experience guilt or a form of cognitive empathy that differs from emotional empathy.  

Superficial relationships

Psychopathic traits may also predispose people against forming deep connections with others. Individuals with this personality type can struggle to form strong emotional attachments with anyone. While those with ASPD often have chaotic relationships with frequent breakups, they may still be able to form intense attachments with others, including other people living with personality disorders. 

Differences in impulsivity

Both psychopaths and people with antisocial personality disorder might be prone to risk-taking behavior. However, this trait may not always manifest in the same way. ASPD can interfere with forming plans and working toward long-term goals. This interference may result in difficulty maintaining steady careers and other markers of life success.

Those high in psychopathy may plan and work incrementally toward future aspirations. This personality type is often better able to hold down jobs and maintain stable families. They might still exhibit lower sensitivity to personal risk, acting calm in highly stressful situations and engaging in dangerous pastimes with little fear.

Support options

If you think you or another person in your life might have a personality disorder, talking with a therapist may be beneficial. The traits associated with antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder can lead to personal turmoil and mental strain. A mental health professional can advise you on constructive ways to address these difficulties and make healthy choices. 

If you are hesitant about trying in-person therapy, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial. Talking about destructive personality traits in yourself or those close to you can be difficult. The sense of distance and control offered by remote therapy could increase your comfort with the process. In addition, online therapy provides resources like group sessions, journaling prompts, and worksheets to work through after sessions. 

The balance of available evidence suggests that Internet-enabled therapy has a high success rate. A 2007 meta-analysis, for example, analyzed studies including more than 9,000 participants and discovered “no difference in effectiveness” between face-to-face and online therapy. Working with an online therapist can be beneficial for many mental health conditions, as well as the loved ones of someone with a mental illness.