Sociopathy vs. Psychopathy: What’s the Difference?

Similarities

Both sociopathy and psychopathy are forms of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). This disorder is characterized by:

• Chronic antisocial behavior
• Struggling to care for others and maintain healthy relationships
• Experiencing little-to-no guilt over their actions

It’s common for people with both conditions to engage in behaviors that cause harm to those around them.

Symptoms of both conditions typically appear during the early teenage years, but according to some research, they can appear earlier. We also know that even though ASPD is a lifelong mental health condition, it’s common for symptoms to improve as a person enters adulthood.

Psychopathy and sociopathy can both increase risk of violent behavior, but it’s not an intrinsic part of either condition. While those with ASPD might harm others, they’re also at increased risk for self-harm. In either case, early treatment can greatly reduce the risk of dangerous or harmful behavior, but any type of treatment must be carefully administered depending on specific cases.

Differences Between a Sociopath vs Psychopath

So what’s the difference between psychopath and sociopath behavior? Although these conditions are both forms of ASPD, they’re not identical. When you examine them closely, you’ll find differences in symptoms and in their causes.

Symptom differences

Since sociopathy and psychopathy are both forms of antisocial personality disorder, there are a number of overlapping symptoms, including disregard for social norms and manipulating others. However, when comparing sociopathy vs psychopathy, you’ll also notice many symptoms that are distinct.

Sociopathy

Individuals exhibiting sociopathy tend to be highly emotional and frequently experience emotional outbursts or mood swings. While those with sociopathy will engage in harmful behaviors, they typically try to rationalize their behavior in some way. Someone with sociopathy may be impulsive and struggle to keep feelings of rage in check, which can result in violent tendencies.

Psychopathy

Those with psychopathic tendencies may pretend to care about other people’s feelings, but are unable to form a real emotional bond. Unlike sociopathy, people with psychopathy experience very little emotion and may present themselves as normal to conceal criminal behavior. Psychopathic behavior can cause someone to be cold, and they may have difficulty identifying emotional distress in others. In short, they lack empathy.

One of the most common psychopath traits is mimicking the actions of people around them. Since psychopathic individuals can learn from others and mirror their behaviors, they can be very charming and pleasant to interact with.

Causal differences

Experts don’t know exactly what causes ASPD, but evidence suggests that there are differences in the causes for sociopathy and psychopathy. These causal differences are some of the most significant variations you’ll notice when comparing sociopath vs psychopath behavior patterns.

Sociopathy

It’s likely that genetics plays a role in sociopathy, but it isn’t caused by genes alone. People who show sociopathic behavior have often experienced childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse. Experts believe that certain individuals have a genetic risk for sociopathy and environmental factors could be a trigger for the condition.

Psychopathy

It’s thought that genetics and biology are the primary cause of psychopathy. People who show psychopathic behavior have differences in the structure of their brain that can lead to functional impairments. Someone with psychopathy might have a diminished fear response as well as deformations in a part of the brain known as the amygdala.

Diagnoses differences

Typically, most people who present symptoms of either condition will be evaluated for antisocial personality disorder. During the diagnostic process, a mental health professional may further evaluate someone to differentiate between psychopaths vs sociopaths.

Sociopathy

There is no clinical test for sociopathy or antisocial personality disorder. Instead, a professional will consider behaviors and thoughts when making a diagnosis. The term sociopath is frequently used by mental health providers, but it’s not considered to be an official diagnosis.

Psychopathy

Psychopathy has been described as a more severe and violent form of antisocial personality disorder, but it’s also not a formal diagnosis. People who show symptoms of psychopathy might be diagnosed with ASPD. A professional may identify someone with ASPD as psychopathic if they have difficulty recognizing facial expressions or have minimal reaction to punishment.

Sociopathy and Psychopathy Treatment Options

While you’ll find clear differences when comparing a sociopath vs psychopath, both conditions can be very difficult to treat. It’s rare for anyone who exhibits sociopathy or psychopathy to be able to see any problems with their own behavior. However, both therapy and medication may be used in treatment.

Sociopathy

Since those with sociopathy struggle with their emotions, therapists may work with someone to improve emotional regulation. People who exhibit sociopathic behavior struggle with a lack of empathy, but studies suggest that, in general, empathy can be developed over time. Mood stabilizers and stimulants can help to control emotional outbursts and impulsiveness.

Psychopathy

For those with psychopathy, treatment is often focused on reducing violence and criminal behaviors. Individuals are more likely to show psychopathic traits in childhood, which means they may start treatment earlier in life. Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers may also be used to reduce aggressive behavior.

Finding the Right Support with Talkspace

If you or a loved one has shown symptoms of antisocial personality disorder, it’s critical to seek help. A mental health professional can provide a diagnosis and help you to understand the differences between psychopaths vs sociopaths. While there’s not a cure for either of these conditions, treatment can be a way to improve and manage symptoms. You should also consult with a professional to distinguish other mental health conditions, such as in the case of discerning between narcissists vs sociopaths.

You might also want to consider starting therapy if you have someone with ASPD in your life. A therapist can help you make sense of your loved one’s behaviors and can give you the tools you need to care for your own mental health. Don’t hesitate to reach out and seek the support that you need.

If you think you could benefit from the help of a therapist, Talkspace is an option for therapy and psychiatry. Our platform offers accessible and convenient online therapy that can help you address conditions like sociopathy and psychopathy, so you can live a healthier, happier, more rewarding life.