Psychopath or sociopath? Similarities and Differences

The distinction between terms: According to the American Psychiatric Association both psychopaths and sociopaths are types of anti-social personality disorders. They have many common behaviors and personality traits. The sociopath-psychopath difference is generally determined by: the causes of the individual’s condition specific aspects of their personality and behaviors Though psychiatrists often consider and treat sociopaths and psychopaths as the same, criminologists treat them differently because of the difference in their outward behavior.

Diagnosis The APA has several criteria for diagnosis of an anti- social personality disorder disregard for the rights of others a lack of empathy for others difficulty with genuine intimacy manipulative behavior impulsive behavior MUST be 18 years or older

Stages of Behavior Development: Psychopathic/sociopathic behaviors begin at approximately fifteen years of age. Usually starts with excessive cruelty to animals Next is a lack of conscience, remorse or guilt for hurtful actions to others at a later stage Early crimes tend to be less violent, violence increases with confidence

Definitions Psychopath: a person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior Sociopath: a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behaviors and a lack of conscience

Clinical Differences: Sociopath is the term used when the anti- social behavior is a result of a brain injury or negative sociological factors like parental neglect, delinquent peers, belief system and upbringing. Psychopath is used when the underlying cause leans towards the hereditary – meaning that there is a familial history of mental illness.

Psychopaths are BORN. Sociopaths are MADE. In other words… Psychopaths are BORN. Sociopaths are MADE.

Origin of illness: Psychopaths: Psychologists generally use the term psychopathy to imply an inborn (innate) condition of the individual. Sociopaths: Sociopath generally implies that environmental factors, such as upbringing, have played a role in the development of their anti-social personality

Psychopaths vs. Sociopaths Suffers from: Anti-social personality disorder lack of empathy no conscience Predisposition to Violence Varied (low to high) Suffers from: Anti-social personality disorder High impulsivity Predisposition to Violence High

Psychopaths vs. Sociopaths Impulsivity: Varies – generally low Behavior: Controlled Criminal Behavior: participates in schemes takes calculated risks minimizes evidence or exposure Impulsivity: High Behavior: Erratic Criminal Behavior: tends to leave clues acts on impulse high risk crimes

Psychopaths vs Sociopaths Criminal Predispositions Tendency to commit premeditated crimes with: controllable risks criminal opportunism fraud calculated or opportunistic violence Criminal Predispositions Tendency to commit impulsive or opportunistic crimes excessive risk taking impulsive or opportunistic violence

Psychopath vs. Sociopath Types of Crimes Committed psychopaths are meticulous planners (Ponzi schemes) their crime go undetected for a long time – white collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement) violent crimes are rare MOST prolific serial killers are psychopaths Types of Crimes Committed unplanned/erratic crimes of opportunity (car jacking, mugging, fights) disorganized, leave clues feel guilt (murder/abuse)

Psychopaths vs Sociopaths Social relationships appear superficially normal in public Form no attachments NO empathy or conscience often social predators hurt family and friends without feeling guilt value relationships that benefit themselves Social relationships can empathize with close friends or family will feel guilty if they hurt people close to them

Psychopaths vs Sociopaths Outward Behavior can be extremely charming but they are only pretending do not make any emotional bonds obsessively organized no emotional response to the actions of others inability to form genuine relationships Outward Behavior impulsive hot-tempered erratic weak/unable to resist their impulses

Psychopath vs. Sociopath Interpersonal relationships very manipulative abuse the people around them form symbiotic or parasitic relationships mimic/manipulate human emotions Interpersonal relationships capable of empathy and guilt can form close bonds capable of sustaining a “normal” relationship

Psychopaths vs Sociopaths Careers: have very successful careers try to make others like and trust them Driven to be rich/famous Most successful CEO’s have a large number of psychopathic behaviors and traits Serial killers (some) want to be caught, it is the only way they will get the “credit” and the fame Careers: find it hard to maintain steady employment day laborers part-time or temp work homeless/ vagrants fringes of society Seasonal jobs Low –to –minimal skills