Difference between a psychopath and a sociopath
Psychopath and sociopath:
Psychopath and sociopath are two terms which refer to individuals who suffer from two antisocial medical conditions which take away these individuals’ ability to show empathy towards others. The perpetual confusion between these two words, owing no doubt to the apparent similarities between the two conditions is rather uncanny. Therefore, this article seeks to explore the differences between these two terms which will aid in determining the differences between these two terms as well.
Who is a psychopath?
A psychopath is an individual suffering from psychopathy which is an antisocial medical condition which requires medical attention. A psychopath is often considered as being dangerous and although these conditions are not officially mentioned in the official catalogue of mental illnesses, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the term psychopath is often described in criminology as an individual who possesses an unusual ability to be organized almost to the point of obsession, possess a sense of grandiose sense of self-worth, prone to pathological lying and are often cunning and manipulative. They display a blatant lack of remorse or guilt which comes with a failure to accept responsibility for own actions and they often display promiscuous sexual behavior.
Psychopaths are often in need for stimulation as they are prone to boredom. They are also able to maintain social relationships and are likely that they have a history of short term marital or romantic relationships. They are often irresponsible and impulsive which leads to having poor behavioral control, thy often lead parasitic lifestyles and are therefore prone to criminal versatility.
Who is a sociopath?
A sociopath is an individual who suffers from sociopathy which is a medical condition which triggers antisocial behavior and abusive treatment of others in an individual. As mentioned in criminology, a sociopath is characterized by a failure to conform to social norms and lawful behavior which is demonstrated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest. They are also deceitful as they are characterized by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure and also display an inability to plan ahead. They are prone to violence which is demonstrated by irritability and aggressiveness and a lack of regard for the safety of others, a lack of remorse, as seen by the indifferent behavior towards or rationalizing of having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another. A sociopath usually displays Conduct Disorder with onset before age 15 years.
What is the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath?
The differences between a psychopath and a sociopath is somewhat unclear as both individuals display very similar characteristics and are often terms as dangerous by the society. Both disorders often show their first signs with cruelty towards animals at the age of 15 and are characterized by a dire lack of conscience, an inability to feel empathy toward others and little respect for the law which leads them to break the law every so often. Also, they are both termed as antisocial conditions and often display aggressiveness and a callous disregard for the safety of oneself or of others, are deceptive as displayed by constant lying and display a blatant lack of conscience or remorse which leads them to harm others repetitively.
However, it is deemed that a psychopath is ore closer in behavior to a normal person than a sociopath. A psychopath is almost impossible to distinguish in the society as they often lead apparently normal lives, able to maintain social relationships and often have successful careers. Because of their extreme attention to detail, they are usually well educated and organized to the point of obsession. Sociopaths on the other hand are not organized, often do not posses any education at all and are unable to keep a job or stable living conditions.
Sociopaths, also unlike psychopaths are unable to maintain social relationships with other human beings because of their inability to comprehend empathy. They lie constantly and do not hesitate to use the people who are supposedly close to them for personal gain and humiliate them or cause trouble to them unfeelingly.
Psychopaths on the other hand although possess a lack of conscience or guilt which is characterized by cruelty to animals and acts of violence, are able to comprehend human emotions and emphathy and use them to their own advantage of manipulating people.
The behavior of the psychopath and the sociopath are very different as ell. Whereas the sociopath is prone to sudden eruptions of volcanic anger and violence, whereas a psychopath is often more calculating and cunning and therefore, it may take years for them to plan a crime. As a result, sociopaths are often caught more than psychopaths and even when caught, socipaths tend to lie about their victims wheras psychopaths often blame their victim or blame it on the genes or their upbringing.
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