What is the Difference Between Narcissist and Sociopath

 The main difference between narcissist and sociopath is that narcissist is someone who has an unreasonably high sense of his/her own importance and needs and seeks the attention of others, whereas a sociopath is someone who has very little consideration toward another person’s rights, feelings, and emotions.

Narcissism and sociopathy are two personality disorders. Both narcissists and sociopaths show characteristics that make them different from others in society.

Key Areas Covered

1. Who is a Narcissist
     – Definition and Characteristics 
2. Who is a Sociopath
     – Definition and Characteristics 
3. Similarities Between Narcissist and Sociopath
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Narcissist and Sociopath
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Narcissist, Narcissism, Sociopath, Sociopathy 

Difference Between Narcissist and Sociopath  - Comparison Summary

Who is a Narcissist

Narcissist refers to a person obsessed with oneself or having high self-importance without considering those around him or her. They always disregard and neglect people and their feelings and always try to prioritize only themselves. In fact, narcissism is a big part of a personality disorder, and we call it a narcissistic personality disorder. People who are suffering from this disorder always seek and need the high attention of others. In addition, another characteristic of narcissistic people is that they get very upset, even with slight criticism. Moreover, people with narcissistic personality disorder get into different problems in different aspects of life – in relationships, work, school, or financial issues.

Narcissist vs Sociopath 

Most of the time, narcissistic personality disorder affects males more than females. Sometimes it may start during teen ages, but sometimes the symptoms can appear in adulthood too. Some of the symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include feeling that they deserve privileges, expecting to be recognized as superior even in normal situations, looking down upon other people, and expecting special favors.

Who is a Sociopath

A sociopath has very little consideration for another person’s rights, feelings, and emotions. We call this condition antisocial personality disorder. People who are suffering from this disorder look charming on the surface, but they are not actually charming, and it is difficult for them to understand others’ feelings. The common characteristics that can be seen in sociopaths are their tendency always to break the rules, behave aggressively, feel little guilt, and use manipulation.

Compare Narcissist and Sociopath  - What's the difference?

A person with an antisocial personality disorder may not understand that he needs the help of others. They do not even realize that they have an antisocial personality disorder. Most of the time, children are not diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder since their personalities are constantly changing. Teenagers may have the possibility of being diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder. There is also a possibility for a sociopath to harm their relatives. Sometimes they may even have some other mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Similarities Between Narcissist and Sociopath

  • Both narcissism and sociopathy are personality disorders.
  • Moreover, people who are suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder may give extreme self-importance to themselves without considering the emotions of other people around them.
  • Both narcissists and sociopaths have an exaggerated sense of themselves.
  • Both narcissists and sociopaths struggle with daily life functions.

Difference Between Narcissist and Sociopath 

Definition 

A narcissist is someone who has an unreasonably high sense of his/her own importance and needs and seeks the attention of others, whereas a sociopath is someone who has very little consideration toward another person’s rights, feelings, and emotions.

Behavior 

Although people with narcissistic personality disorder always want to be admired, people with an antisocial personality disorder do not want to be admired. 

Symptoms 

The symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder are arrogant attitudes, a strong lack of empathy, and a constant need for admiration, whereas the symptoms of the antisocial disorder are a disregard for the law, a poor attitude toward work, and a disregard for financial obligations.

Age

Although narcissistic personality disorder is most common in teenagers and adults, an antisocial personality disorder is more common in teenagers.

Conclusion

The main difference between narcissist and sociopath is that a narcissist is someone who has an unreasonably high sense of his/her own importance and needs and seeks the attention of others, whereas a sociopath is someone who has very little consideration toward another person’s rights, feelings, and emotions.

Reference:

1. “Narcissistic personality disorder.” Mayo Clinic.

2. “What It Actually Means to Be a ‘Sociopath’.” Health Line. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Continuum of narcissism” By Krebcrabtree – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Signs of AsPD 1” By MissLunaRose12 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Gerandielle

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