Psychopaths and Sociopaths: What’s the Difference and How Can You Spot Them?
In popular psychology, the terms “psychopath” and “sociopath” are often used to describe people with antisocial personality disorder. While they share similarities, there are important differences between the two. Let’s start with what they have in common: both psychopaths and sociopaths tend to disregard the safety, feelings, and rights of others, and are prone to lying and manipulation. Contrary to popular belief, these individuals are not always hot-tempered or violent.
Common Traits of Psychopaths and Sociopaths
The traits associated with antisocial personality disorder are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A diagnosis can be made if, in addition to general criteria for personality disorders, a person exhibits at least three of the following symptoms:
- Regularly breaks laws and disregards social norms
- Constantly lies and deceives others
- Impulsive and unable to plan ahead
- Irritable and aggressive, prone to frequent fights
- Shows little concern for the safety of others
- Irresponsible, unable to fulfill financial obligations
- Lacks remorse or guilt when harming others
What Makes a Psychopath?
Psychopathy is believed to be a congenital disorder, with genetic predispositions playing a significant role (unlike sociopathy, which is more likely the result of environmental factors). Psychopathy may be linked to abnormal brain development. Research shows that psychopaths have underdeveloped areas of the brain responsible for regulating emotions and controlling impulses.
Interestingly, psychopaths often appear charming, reliable, and respectable to others, holding steady jobs and sometimes even maintaining families and seemingly stable relationships. Many are well-educated and self-taught. If involved in criminal activity, a psychopath will do everything possible to minimize the risk of punishment, carefully planning and considering all possible outcomes.
Examples of psychopaths in modern culture:
- Dexter (from the American TV series “Dexter,” 2006–2013)
- Anton Chigurh (from Cormac McCarthy’s novel “No Country for Old Men,” 2005, and Javier Bardem’s character in the Coen brothers’ film, 2007)
- Henry (in John McNaughton’s “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer,” 1986)
- Patrick Bateman (in Mary Harron’s “American Psycho,” 2000)
What Makes a Sociopath?
Sociopathy is typically the result of environmental factors, such as a destructive family atmosphere, physical or emotional abuse, or other childhood trauma. Sociopaths tend to behave even more eccentrically and unpredictably than psychopaths. While they also struggle to form attachments, some sociopaths can maintain personal connections or feel a sense of belonging within a group. However, they are unable to hold down a job or maintain the appearance of a normal family life for long. When committing crimes, sociopaths act impulsively and without forethought. They are easily angered, which can lead to violent outbursts. Because of these traits, their dangerous actions are often easier to predict.
Examples of sociopaths in film:
- The Joker (in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight,” 2008)
- J.D. (in Michael Lehmann’s “Heathers,” 1988)
- Alex (in Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange,” 1971)
Key Differences Between Psychopaths and Sociopaths
Psychopaths and sociopaths have a lot in common. Both lack empathy—the ability to understand others’ feelings and put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Their inner voice doesn’t distinguish right from wrong, and they struggle to understand or share emotions.
All psychopaths are sociopaths, but not all sociopaths are psychopaths.
The main difference lies in self-awareness. Psychopaths do not realize what they are doing is wrong. They lie and steal without any moral conflict (though they can fake remorse). Psychopaths analyze and mimic others’ behavior to avoid detection—they are excellent actors.
Sociopaths, on the other hand, usually sense that something is off about themselves, though they may not be sure what. They know their actions are wrong and may even feel guilty, but this doesn’t stop them from acting out. Sociopaths are impulsive and act without considering how their actions affect others.
How to Spot a Sociopath
Identifying sociopaths can be difficult. They can be intelligent, charming, and skilled at faking emotions—even feigning genuine interest in you. But in reality, they don’t care. Here are some signs that may reveal a sociopath:
1. Lack of Shame
Most sociopaths do harmful things without feeling any regret. They may hit, humiliate, deceive, or use others without remorse. True sociopaths (those with personality disorders) are not bothered by their actions and love to blame others. They don’t care whom they hurt if it helps them get what they want, which is why many sociopaths are quite successful.
2. Chronic Lying
Sociopaths lie constantly. Telling the truth is harder for them than lying. If caught, they’ll invent more stories to justify themselves, and only when facing major exposure might they fake remorse to gain your sympathy. Some go to great lengths to make their lies believable, such as pretending to go to work every morning when they don’t have a job. Many even believe their own lies. For example, serial killer Charles Manson once claimed in an interview that he never killed anyone—why would he?
3. Unnatural Calmness
Sociopaths remain eerily calm during stressful events. They react to news of a plane crash and the birth of a child in the same way—not at all. They perceive reality differently. If you’re panicking and the person next to you is unfazed, they may not see the situation as important. This is different from bravery, where a person understands the risks but chooses to face them. Sociopaths seem untouched by difficult situations. Check if the person always remains unemotional in extreme situations. Some people are naturally calm, but even they worry about something.
4. Extreme Charm
Sociopaths are masters at charming people to get what they want. They make you feel unique by asking the right questions, making you see yourself as attractive, fun, and interesting. True pros can win over anyone—children or the elderly. Sometimes their charm is so strong it’s almost magnetic. If someone seems irresistible at first but later starts to scare you, you might be dealing with a sociopath.
Despite their charm, sociopaths have strong antisocial tendencies and struggle to maintain long-term relationships. They often need to withdraw to recharge, alternating between warmth and cold detachment. They are insincere; if someone swings from being sweet to arrogant, it’s a sign of sociopathy, always paired with a lack of empathy and understanding for others.
5. High Intelligence
Many sociopaths are highly intelligent, able to use complex academic knowledge without help. They achieve great results at work or school. Their intelligence makes them dangerous if they choose to use it for manipulation, always staying a few steps ahead of those who might oppose them. Fortunately, being a sociopath doesn’t automatically mean being a criminal.
6. Manipulative Behavior
Sociopaths know people’s weaknesses and exploit them. Once they establish control, they can get almost anything from others. They prefer weak people and avoid the strong. It’s easier to manipulate sad, defenseless, or disoriented people, as they are easy prey. If someone in your life seems to magically give people exactly what they want, don’t trust them blindly.
True sociopaths gradually establish control over others, trying to make them dependent. They love to control everything and feel uncomfortable around morally strong people, fearing exposure.
7. Aggression
As children, sociopaths may torment defenseless animals or people. This behavior can continue into adulthood as psychological or emotional abuse. This aggression is never self-defense. If you notice sudden outbursts of aggression in an otherwise calm person, they may be a sociopath. In conflicts, sociopaths will deflect blame and try to elicit sympathy they themselves cannot feel.
8. Inflated Ego
Sociopaths have such large egos it borders on delusions of grandeur. They believe they deserve admiration and devotion, and that everyone owes them, while they care for no one. They see themselves as the best, are immune to criticism, and have an exaggerated sense of self-worth. Their views of their abilities can be completely unrealistic—they may think they’re incredibly talented singers or dancers but can’t keep a beat. They may genuinely believe in their own genius or simply put on a mask. Psychopaths are often narcissistic, talk only about themselves, love looking in the mirror, and don’t listen to others.
9. No Friends or Past
Not everyone is lucky enough to have many friends, but if someone has none at all, it’s a red flag. There may be reasons for this—difficult circumstances, trauma, or shyness—but if there are no friends and no clear reason, something is off. Sociopaths have no past: no classmates, childhood friends, or exes. They move from one victim to the next, forgetting the previous ones. They may have hangers-on or victims they exploit, but these aren’t real friendships. The same goes for family; if someone never mentions their family, it’s a reason to be cautious. Of course, this is not a definitive sign—maybe they’re estranged due to conflict or a tough childhood.
10. Isolating You from Others
Sociopaths quickly become close to new acquaintances, not giving you time to figure out who they really are. Romantic relationships develop especially fast. A sociopath may convince you that you’re soulmates, calculating exactly what you need at the moment. But they don’t want to share you with anyone. In romantic relationships, a sociopath will try to cut you off from friends, saying things like “no one loves you like I do” or “they’re turning you against me because they’re jealous.” The sociopath plays the victim, making you feel guilty for seeing friends, until you spend all your time with the manipulator.
When to Be Concerned
Don’t label every selfish, rude, aggressive, or introverted person as having a dissocial disorder. True sociopaths are rare, so there’s no need to scrutinize everyone around you. However, a healthy dose of caution can help you avoid manipulation. A true sociopath:
- Rarely feels shame
- Constantly lies, manipulates, and tries to isolate others
- Remains calm even in extreme situations
- Is charming, intelligent, and extremely selfish
- Is cruel without reason
- Is touchy and self-absorbed
Dealing with sociopaths is difficult, and for some, it’s best to avoid them altogether.