Find a TherapistReady to get started?Ready toget started?Add your email to continueEmailGet startedBy submitting your email, you agree to receive reminders and marketing communications.
Ready to get started?Ready toget started?Add your email to continueEmailGet startedBy submitting your email, you agree to receive reminders and marketing communications.
Ready to get started?
Ready toget started?
Add your email to continue
Get started
By submitting your email, you agree to receive reminders and marketing communications.
Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategorySociopathy vs Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Similarities & Differences
Table of Contents:Overview“What Is a Sociopath?”“What is a Narcissist?”Sociopathy vs NarcissismTreatment Options for Sociopathy and NarcissismGet a Professional Diagnosis with Talkspace
Narcissistic Personality DisorderRead Time: 5 Minutes
Published On: August 30, 2022
Reviewed On: August 30, 2022
Updated On: November 16, 2023
OverviewThese days, it’s not unusual to hear people loosely throw around terms like “sociopath” or “narcissist.” They typically are used to describe someone who displays extreme, self-serving, and egocentric behaviors. However, even though the names are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re actually distinctpersonality disorderswith clear, identifiable differences.When you compare sociopathy vs narcissism, you’ll find that theyshare traits, which might be part ofwhy so many people confuse the conditions.Learning more about the similarities and differences between sociopathy and narcissism can help you differentiate the conditions. We’re discussing both in depth and treatment options for each.
Overview
These days, it’s not unusual to hear people loosely throw around terms like “sociopath” or “narcissist.” They typically are used to describe someone who displays extreme, self-serving, and egocentric behaviors. However, even though the names are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re actually distinctpersonality disorderswith clear, identifiable differences.
When you compare sociopathy vs narcissism, you’ll find that theyshare traits, which might be part ofwhy so many people confuse the conditions.
Learning more about the similarities and differences between sociopathy and narcissism can help you differentiate the conditions. We’re discussing both in depth and treatment options for each.
Expert Insight
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), PhDReshawna Chapple
“What Is a Sociopath?”Sociopathisn’t actually an official mental health diagnosis. Instead, it’s a label that’s frequently applied to people withantisocial personality disorder(ASPD) who display specificpsychopathictraits. Those with ASPD typically struggle with social norms and disregard the feelings and rights of others. They also can hold little to no regard for the law and may not hesitate to engage in criminal behavior. They also usually have deep insecurities about their true self, which is why they have a false self they project in front of others.Despite this, sociopaths are often perceived as charming and likable. People withsociopathictraits can have a superficial understanding of emotions, which they can use to manipulate others. Sociopath behavior often includes being willing to exploit others for personal gain. They’re generally quick to abandon people when they no longer need them.While not everyone who’s a sociopath is violent, impulsive and violent behavior is strongly associated with antisocial personality disorder. Many people have volatile interactions with others, making it difficult for them to maintain a personalrelationshipor steady employment.Signs of sociopathyLying to others for personal gainManipulating others for personal benefitLittle to no remorse for harmful behaviorsLack empathy for othersStruggling with social normsEngaging in harmful — or even illegal — behaviors without considering the consequencesVerbal or physical violenceImpulsive or reckless behaviorDisregard for the safety of others
“What Is a Sociopath?”
Sociopathisn’t actually an official mental health diagnosis. Instead, it’s a label that’s frequently applied to people withantisocial personality disorder(ASPD) who display specificpsychopathictraits. Those with ASPD typically struggle with social norms and disregard the feelings and rights of others. They also can hold little to no regard for the law and may not hesitate to engage in criminal behavior. They also usually have deep insecurities about their true self, which is why they have a false self they project in front of others.
Despite this, sociopaths are often perceived as charming and likable. People withsociopathictraits can have a superficial understanding of emotions, which they can use to manipulate others. Sociopath behavior often includes being willing to exploit others for personal gain. They’re generally quick to abandon people when they no longer need them.
While not everyone who’s a sociopath is violent, impulsive and violent behavior is strongly associated with antisocial personality disorder. Many people have volatile interactions with others, making it difficult for them to maintain a personalrelationshipor steady employment.
Signs of sociopathy
“What is a Narcissist?”
Narcissism is a personality trait that anyone can exhibit from time to time, but the termnarcissistis a label used that often describes someone who is diagnosed withnarcissistic personality disorder(NPD). However, it is often loosely used for someone who shows narcissisticbehavior patterns.While there are manytypes of narcissistic personality disorder,people with NPDtypicallyhave an inflated view of themselves and constantly crave admiration from others.
Narcissistic personality disorder is a spectrum, and there are many types of narcissism that fall along it. For example,anovert narcissisttendsto be extroverted andseeksout attention, whileacovert narcissist isintroverted and withdrawn. Although the way it presents itself can vary, people with any type of narcissistic personality disorder can share some of the following specific traits.
Narcissistic Traits
The following describesymptoms of narcissistic personality disorder:
These narcissistic tendencies may vary from person to person, and typically affect individuals that have some relationship with the narcissist.
Sociopathy vs NarcissismThere are clear similarities when you compare narcissism vssociopath behavior,but the conditions are still distinct. Even when people with NPD and ASPD behave similarly, the reasoning behind their behaviors varies.Similar Personality TraitsThe following symptoms overlap across both mental health conditions:Lack empathy:Limited empathy is a major problem for those with sociopathy and narcissism. This can cause people with both conditions to manipulate or harm others for their own gain.Charming and charismatic:People with NPD and ASPD can appear charming, especially when trying to get something they want.Difficulty with self-awareness:In looking at sociopathy vs narcissism, we can see that people with either condition tend to have poor insight into their own thought processes and behaviors. They rarely see an issue with their behavior, even when it hurts the people around them. It can be difficult for them to acknowledge their actions.Mood disorders, substance abuse, and self-harm:According to research, people who suffer from sociopathy or narcissism are more likelytohave mood disordersorstruggle with substance abuse. People with these conditions often cause harm to others, but they may also hurt themselves, engaging in behaviors like self-harm or even suicide.
Sociopathy vs Narcissism
There are clear similarities when you compare narcissism vssociopath behavior,but the conditions are still distinct. Even when people with NPD and ASPD behave similarly, the reasoning behind their behaviors varies.
Similar Personality Traits
The following symptoms overlap across both mental health conditions:
Differences
While there are many similarities across these conditions, there are also several stark differences.
Treatment Options for Sociopathy and NarcissismSince narcissism and sociopathy don’t allow for someone to see anything wrong with their behavior, it’s rare that they’ll seek out treatment on their own. In fact, many people only receive a diagnosis because they’re getting help for another mental health condition, such as anxiety ordepression.During the diagnostic process, a mental health professional can distinguish between narcissistic personality disorder vs sociopathy, along with other mental health conditions.People might be prescribed medications to treat specific symptoms, but the most common form of treatment for both conditions is psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy).Studiesshow that it’s possible to develop empathy over time. Although it can take time to see results, treatment can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms in both NPD and ASPD.
Treatment Options for Sociopathy and Narcissism
Since narcissism and sociopathy don’t allow for someone to see anything wrong with their behavior, it’s rare that they’ll seek out treatment on their own. In fact, many people only receive a diagnosis because they’re getting help for another mental health condition, such as anxiety ordepression.
During the diagnostic process, a mental health professional can distinguish between narcissistic personality disorder vs sociopathy, along with other mental health conditions.
People might be prescribed medications to treat specific symptoms, but the most common form of treatment for both conditions is psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy).Studiesshow that it’s possible to develop empathy over time. Although it can take time to see results, treatment can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms in both NPD and ASPD.
Get a Professional Diagnosis with TalkspaceIf you or a loved one has shown signs of either narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial behavior, it’s essential that you receive amental health assessmentand diagnosis. A professional can distinguish between sociopathy vs narcissism and recommend the most suitable form of treatment.NPD and ASPD can cause people to inflict serious harm on those around them. Research examining narcissism vs sociopathyshowsthat these conditions can cause serious difficulties with personal relationships. Seeking out treatment may not be easy, but it’s the best way to treat symptoms and get help.If you’re looking for a therapist so you can learn more about NPD or ASPD, Talkspace is anonline therapyplatform that makes getting help easy. Our approach to therapy removes some of the major barriers that prevent people from getting therapeutic help. When therapy sessions are convenient, affordable, and accessible, it can be easier to commit to the process.Learn more about how Talkspace is changing how people think and feel about therapy. You can get the help you need to treat NPD or ASPD. Reach out to Talkspace today to get started.
Get a Professional Diagnosis with Talkspace
If you or a loved one has shown signs of either narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial behavior, it’s essential that you receive amental health assessmentand diagnosis. A professional can distinguish between sociopathy vs narcissism and recommend the most suitable form of treatment.
NPD and ASPD can cause people to inflict serious harm on those around them. Research examining narcissism vs sociopathyshowsthat these conditions can cause serious difficulties with personal relationships. Seeking out treatment may not be easy, but it’s the best way to treat symptoms and get help.
If you’re looking for a therapist so you can learn more about NPD or ASPD, Talkspace is anonline therapyplatform that makes getting help easy. Our approach to therapy removes some of the major barriers that prevent people from getting therapeutic help. When therapy sessions are convenient, affordable, and accessible, it can be easier to commit to the process.
Learn more about how Talkspace is changing how people think and feel about therapy. You can get the help you need to treat NPD or ASPD. Reach out to Talkspace today to get started.
See ReferencesComorbidity of personality disorders in mood disorders: a meta-analytic review of 122 studies from 1988 to 2010Friborg, Oddgeir et al. Journal of affective disorders vol. 152-154 (2014): 1-11. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2013.08.023. Accessed July 3, 2022.Comorbidity of Personality Disorder among Substance Use Disorder Patients: A Narrative ReviewParmar, Arpit, and Gaurishanker Kaloiya. Indian journal of psychological medicine vol. 40,6 (2018): 517-527. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_164_18. Accessed July 3, 2022.The Science of EmpathyRiess, Helen. Journal of patient experience vol. 4,2 (2017): 74-77. doi:10.1177/2374373517699267. Accessed July 3, 2022.Attachment styles, social behavior, and personality functioning in romantic relationshipsBeeney, Joseph E et al. Personality disorders vol. 10,3 (2019): 275-285. doi:10.1037/per0000317. Accessed July 3, 2022.
See References
Friborg, Oddgeir et al. Journal of affective disorders vol. 152-154 (2014): 1-11. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2013.08.023. Accessed July 3, 2022.
Parmar, Arpit, and Gaurishanker Kaloiya. Indian journal of psychological medicine vol. 40,6 (2018): 517-527. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_164_18. Accessed July 3, 2022.
Riess, Helen. Journal of patient experience vol. 4,2 (2017): 74-77. doi:10.1177/2374373517699267. Accessed July 3, 2022.
Beeney, Joseph E et al. Personality disorders vol. 10,3 (2019): 275-285. doi:10.1037/per0000317. Accessed July 3, 2022.
Reshawna ChappleDr. Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW is a Therapist and Peer Consultant at Talkspace. She is a California born - Florida based Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Central Florida. Her areas of research, teaching and practice include the intersection of race, gender and ability, intimate partner violence and trauma recovery, and access to culturally responsive mental health treatment for Black women and Deaf women.
Dr. Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW is a Therapist and Peer Consultant at Talkspace. She is a California born - Florida based Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Central Florida. Her areas of research, teaching and practice include the intersection of race, gender and ability, intimate partner violence and trauma recovery, and access to culturally responsive mental health treatment for Black women and Deaf women.
Share
Effective and affordable mental health treatmentGet Started
Effective and affordable mental health treatment
Related Articles About Narcissistic Personality DisorderView all articlesNarcissistic Personality DisorderMarch 26, 2024How to Heal from Narcissistic ParentsNarcissistic Personality DisorderDecember 28, 2023How to Live With a NarcissistNarcissistic Personality DisorderDecember 28, 2023What to Know About Dating After Narcissistic AbuseNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 28, 2023How to Respond to a NarcissistNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 28, 2023How to Leave & End a Relationship With a NarcissistNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 27, 2023How to Get a Narcissist to Respect YouNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 27, 2023Narcissistic Rage: Identifying & Protecting Yourself From ItNarcissistic Personality DisorderFebruary 21, 2023How to Diagnose Narcissistic Personality DisorderNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 29, 2022Narcissistic Abuse: Examples, Signs, and EffectsNarcissistic Personality DisorderAugust 30, 2022Sociopathy vs Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Similarities & Differences
Related Articles About Narcissistic Personality DisorderView all articles
Related Articles About Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality DisorderMarch 26, 2024How to Heal from Narcissistic ParentsNarcissistic Personality DisorderDecember 28, 2023How to Live With a NarcissistNarcissistic Personality DisorderDecember 28, 2023What to Know About Dating After Narcissistic AbuseNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 28, 2023How to Respond to a NarcissistNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 28, 2023How to Leave & End a Relationship With a NarcissistNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 27, 2023How to Get a Narcissist to Respect YouNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 27, 2023Narcissistic Rage: Identifying & Protecting Yourself From ItNarcissistic Personality DisorderFebruary 21, 2023How to Diagnose Narcissistic Personality DisorderNarcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 29, 2022Narcissistic Abuse: Examples, Signs, and EffectsNarcissistic Personality DisorderAugust 30, 2022Sociopathy vs Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Similarities & Differences
Narcissistic Personality DisorderMarch 26, 2024How to Heal from Narcissistic Parents
Narcissistic Personality DisorderDecember 28, 2023How to Live With a Narcissist
Narcissistic Personality DisorderDecember 28, 2023What to Know About Dating After Narcissistic Abuse
Narcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 28, 2023How to Respond to a Narcissist
Narcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 28, 2023How to Leave & End a Relationship With a Narcissist
Narcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 27, 2023How to Get a Narcissist to Respect You
Narcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 27, 2023Narcissistic Rage: Identifying & Protecting Yourself From It
Narcissistic Personality DisorderFebruary 21, 2023How to Diagnose Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality DisorderSeptember 29, 2022Narcissistic Abuse: Examples, Signs, and Effects
Narcissistic Personality DisorderAugust 30, 2022Sociopathy vs Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Similarities & Differences
If you are in a life threatening situation – don’t use this site. Call 988 or useto get immediate help.
Therapy may be free for you
