While sociopathy and narcissism are both mental disorders, they are different in their characteristics. Some people might confuse both and use the terms ‘sociopath’ and ‘narcissist’ interchangeably for people who are arrogant, entitled, inconsiderate, and haughty.
While Sociopathy is an unofficial term for anti-social personality disorder (ASPD) a mental condition in which a person lacks empathy for others and, at the same time, disregards their well-being. They don’t differentiate right from wrong and might even indulge in self-harm.
Conversely, narcissism defines a behavior where people are self-centered and focused on self-inflation. It’s a personality disorder in which people think extremely highly of themselves and don’t empathize with other people’s feelings and needs.
How to Identify Sociopaths – Signs & Symptoms
While sociopaths appear charming on the surface, a few signs and symptoms can help you identify one.
Disregard for Rules and Laws
Sociopaths have no regard for rules and social norms and often engage in irresponsible or reckless behavior. They break laws and sometimes even become dangerous to the extent of getting arrested. Such people tend to harm others.
Using Deceit to Forge Relationships
Sociopaths appear well-adjusted on the surface and would lie in every situation to make people like them. They would even fool you into believing they are good people you can date and develop relationships with. However, they start showing their true colors once you fall into their trap.
Disregarding Financial Obligations Like Paying Back Debt
A person suffering from an anti-social personality disorder would not care about paying people back. They are poor at planning and managing finances and would make you feel guilty if you ask for your money back.
Act Impulsively
Sociopaths are aggressive, irresponsible, and tend to act impulsively without considering a situation’s potential risks and consequences. This behavior can be dangerous for both sociopaths and people around or related to them.
How to Identify Narcissists – Signs & Symptoms
Narcissistic people often make others, especially their partners, feel like they are too much or too less and don’t appreciate them for what they really are. They would intentionally or unintentionally seek attention from people around them all the time and won’t pay heed to others’ feelings. They are more judgmental than kind and manipulate people into thinking they are the problem.
