Narcissist or Sociopath?

Maxine Lacey Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychotherapy in Wolverhampton March 04, 2015

What are the differences between the narcissist and the sociopath?

There appears to be an increasing awareness lately regarding narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder, with self-help groups and websites popping up everywhere with such titles as ‘how to survive narcissistic abuse’ or similar. Indeed, narcissism appears to be quite the ‘buzz’ word of the moment, with some authors of this material gaining considerable success and undoubted wealth. On reading some of the information contained within these groups or sites however, it is becoming increasingly apparent that some well intending individuals appear to have their ‘drinks mixed’ regarding personality disorders. Whilst it is constructive to raise awareness regarding narcissism and other abusive disorders, it is vitally important that symptoms are correctly identified, in order to avoid mislabelling, which is completely counter-productive.

Many of these sites go on to describe narcissists as being deceitful, destructive and of seeking ‘victims’ to be abused and then discarded in some capacity. All of these traits are symptomatic of anti-social personality disorder (or sociopathy), and not of narcissism alone. Narcissists, although totally ego-centric and lacking in empathy can actually function as reasonable members of society, and are able to sustain long term relationships, albeit in a self-centred manner. Another fundamental difference between the two, is that the narcissist can have a conscience, whereas the sociopath does not.

These are the main similarities and differences between the two disorders;

Narcissistic personality disorder:

• Grandiosity

• Requires excessive admiration

• Sense of Entitlement

• Lacks Empathy

• Constantly seeks approval from others

Personality traits:

• Grandiose

• Attention seeking

• Belief that one is better than others

• Condescending attitude towards others

Anti- social personality disorder:

• Egocentricity

• Lacks Empathy

• Reckless behaviour

• Lack of remorse

• Deceitfulness,

• Failure to conform to social norms

Personality traits:

• Callousness

• Deceitful

• Conning

• Manipulation

• Use of charm and seduction

• Hostility

Both are serious disorders but have fundamental differences; the narcissist holds a very strong sense of their own identity, the sociopath uses deception, seduction and charm to meet their own needs. The narcissist seeks approval, the sociopath seeks victims.

This is by no means an extensive account of either personality disorder; many scholarly articles contain this detailed information. However, unlike some of the material circulating on the internet, this information is taken from the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM V).

I do not profess to be an expert in diagnosing mental health disorders in any capacity, but as a therapist who has worked with many victims of both disorders, client’s subjective accounts of both seem to be pretty consistent. There is nearly always a clear distinction between the two in terms of personality and behavioural traits. An encounter with a narcissist or a sociopath can be a highly destructive experience, but the deceit, charm, abuse and manipulation is the Modus Operandi of the sociopath and not of the narcissist alone.