Sociopath vs. Narcissist: What's the Difference?

While both sociopathy and narcissism are personality disorders, they are not the same. Sociopaths are more calculating and have no regard for the welfare or pain of others. They are most likely to derive pleasure from their acts. Narcissists differ because their actions are usually targeted towards self-inflation, and any harm done to others is usually a result of them pursuing some goal.

How to Identify a Sociopath

Sociopaths can be identified by their frequent run-ins with the law. They also have very few hang-ups about exploiting people purely for their own gain and have been known to have dramatic or volatile interactions when dealing with people.

A sociopath is more likely to have difficulty holding a job and may be unable to form stable relationships.

Sociopathy Signs & Symptoms

A sociopath typically begins to develop symptoms of the disorder before the age of 18.

Sociopathy can be a result of genetics or adverse childhood experiences such as abuse. It may also be the result of early neglect. Environmental conditions like family relations and how well associations with peers are handled may also be responsible.

How to Identify a Narcissist

Someone with narcissistic personality disorder will display an excessively heightened sense of importance, a strong need to be admired, or an entitlement to special treatment. Other times, a person with this disorder may have dreams of wielding far-reaching power.

Narcissists don’t care if they have to lie and scheme their way to a desired position. They are typically unconcerned about the needs of their partners in romantic relationships and may feel slighted when they don't receive praise or admiration for their achievements.

Away from the view of others, however, when a narcissist is looking within, they may experience heightened feelings of shame, helplessness, and anger when difficulties crop up that interfere with a projected vision of themself. This disorder may lead to an increased risk of attempting or carrying out suicide.

While it’s difficult to give an exact statistic, narcissism is believed to be found in 1% to 15% of the U.S. population.

Narcissism is typically noticeable in two main forms:

• The grandiose narcissist believes that they are excessively important
• The vulnerable narcissist who feels hurt and offended when they aren't showered with admiration.

Narcissism Signs & Symptoms

Narcissism may be caused by a number of factors such as a difficult childhood where rejection was prominent, or cases where the individual involved had a fragile ego.

Likewise, praising a child excessively during their formative years can lead to a heightened belief in oneself, encouraging narcissism. There are also suspicions that a genetic link may be to blame for this disorder.

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Sociopathy vs. Narcissism

Let's take a look at the major differences between sociopathy and narcissism.

In distinguishing between a sociopath and a narcissist, the motive behind their actions is usually an important place to look.

Sociopaths will manipulate, harm, rob, and otherwise violate another person merely for fun. Narcissists' motives are rooted in magnifying their importance or accomplishing some goal.

How Are Sociopaths and Narcissists Similar?

Both sociopaths and narcissists show a noticeable lack of empathy when dealing with others. They are severely lacking in morality, and have no qualms about scheming against and controlling others to suit their agendas. To achieve their objectives, a sociopath or a narcissist can turn on the charm.

In addition, exhibiting sociopathic or narcissistic traits usually increases the risk of developing a mood disorder, substance abuse, as well as holding suicidal thoughts, or committing suicide.

Can Someone Be a Sociopath and a Narcissist?

Though sociopaths may be narcissistic, not all narcissistic people can qualify as sociopaths.

Someone who is both a sociopath and a narcissist might be called a narcissistic sociopath or a sociopathic narcissist.

You can tell if someone is a narcissistic sociopath if they display many different symptoms of both narcissistic and antisocial personality disorder.

Summary

When a person exhibits traits of a narcissist or a sociopath, this usually means they are calculating, empathy-deficient, and put their own interests above those of others. However, despite sharing similarities, these conditions are not the same.

With serious cases leading to self-harm and harm to others, it's important to note that both personalities may be improved through consistent therapy over a period of time.