Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow to Identify a SociopathHow to Identify a NarcissistSociopathy vs. NarcissismCan Someone Be a Sociopath and a Narcissist?

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Table of Contents

How to Identify a Sociopath

How to Identify a Narcissist

Sociopathy vs. Narcissism

Can Someone Be a Sociopath and a Narcissist?

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While both sociopathy andnarcissismare 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.

People with personality disorders can become dangerous to themselves and those around them. So, it’s good to know the traits of both sociopathy and narcissism so that you can recognize them in those close to you. When you’re aware of the signs, you’ll be better prepared to protect your safety and well-being.

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

Some sociopaths may have anantisocial personality disorderand make up approximately 1% to 4% of the population.

Sociopathy Signs & Symptoms

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

Signs of SociopathySigns of sociopathy include:Having a disregard for the law and engaging in acts that can lead to arrestUsing deceit to forge relationships or to swindle others of their time or moneyHaving a persistent inability to plan aheadShowing a poor, non-committal attitude toward workDisregarding financial obligations like paying back debtsHaving no remorse after physically or emotionally hurting another person

Signs of Sociopathy

Signs of sociopathy include:Having a disregard for the law and engaging in acts that can lead to arrestUsing deceit to forge relationships or to swindle others of their time or moneyHaving a persistent inability to plan aheadShowing a poor, non-committal attitude toward workDisregarding financial obligations like paying back debtsHaving no remorse after physically or emotionally hurting another person

Signs of sociopathy include:

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.

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:

Both of these forms include a lack of empathy for others.

Narcissism Signs & Symptoms

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.

Signs of NarcissismWhatever the cause, a person displaying the following traits may be said to have a narcissistic personality:AnarrogantattitudeA strong lack of empathyA constant need for admirationA heightened sense of self-importanceEnvy towards others doing supposedly betterBaseless assumptions that others are envious of their accomplishmentsAn obsession with success, power, looks, and exorbitant wealthAn exploitative personality, regardless of who gets trampled on

Signs of Narcissism

Whatever the cause, a person displaying the following traits may be said to have a narcissistic personality:AnarrogantattitudeA strong lack of empathyA constant need for admirationA heightened sense of self-importanceEnvy towards others doing supposedly betterBaseless assumptions that others are envious of their accomplishmentsAn obsession with success, power, looks, and exorbitant wealthAn exploitative personality, regardless of who gets trampled on

Whatever the cause, a person displaying the following traits may be said to have a narcissistic personality:

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

SociopathyAntisocialManipulates others for pleasureNo empathy or remorseLegal and personal problems due to their behaviorHas no regard for other peopleNarcissismSelfishManipulates others to feed their egoMay feel some empathy or remorseFocused on looking successfulConcerned about what others think of them

SociopathyAntisocialManipulates others for pleasureNo empathy or remorseLegal and personal problems due to their behaviorHas no regard for other people

Antisocial

Manipulates others for pleasure

No empathy or remorse

Legal and personal problems due to their behavior

Has no regard for other people

NarcissismSelfishManipulates others to feed their egoMay feel some empathy or remorseFocused on looking successfulConcerned about what others think of them

Selfish

Manipulates others to feed their ego

May feel some empathy or remorse

Focused on looking successful

Concerned about what others think of them

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 sociopathicor narcissistictraits usually increases the risk of developing a mood disorder, substance abuse, as well as holding suicidal thoughts, or committing suicide.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

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.

Anarcissistic sociopathis someone who has traits of both narcissistic and antisocial personality disorder. They may have an exaggerated sense of importance and are willing to manipulate others to get the things they want.

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.

What’s the Difference Between a Psychopath and a Sociopath?

4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fisher KA, Hany M.Antisocial Personality Disorder. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan.Kacel EL, Ennis N, Pereira DB.Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Clinical Health Psychology Practice: Case Studies of Comorbid Psychological Distress and Life-Limiting Illness.Behav Med. 2017;43(3):156-164. doi:10.1080/08964289.2017.1301875Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan.Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, Comorbidity, and Behavioral Genetics of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195-199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fisher KA, Hany M.Antisocial Personality Disorder. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan.Kacel EL, Ennis N, Pereira DB.Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Clinical Health Psychology Practice: Case Studies of Comorbid Psychological Distress and Life-Limiting Illness.Behav Med. 2017;43(3):156-164. doi:10.1080/08964289.2017.1301875Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan.Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, Comorbidity, and Behavioral Genetics of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195-199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Fisher KA, Hany M.Antisocial Personality Disorder. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan.Kacel EL, Ennis N, Pereira DB.Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Clinical Health Psychology Practice: Case Studies of Comorbid Psychological Distress and Life-Limiting Illness.Behav Med. 2017;43(3):156-164. doi:10.1080/08964289.2017.1301875Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan.Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, Comorbidity, and Behavioral Genetics of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195-199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08

Fisher KA, Hany M.Antisocial Personality Disorder. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan.

Kacel EL, Ennis N, Pereira DB.Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Clinical Health Psychology Practice: Case Studies of Comorbid Psychological Distress and Life-Limiting Illness.Behav Med. 2017;43(3):156-164. doi:10.1080/08964289.2017.1301875

Mitra P, Fluyau D.Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan.

Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, Comorbidity, and Behavioral Genetics of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195-199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08

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