The wordsociopathis often used in social tweaks to describe anyone who lacks empathy.
What is a sociopath?
A sociopath is a colloquial term for someone who has been diagnosed withanti-social personality disorder1(ASPD).
Key characteristics of a sociopath.
Signs of a sociopath.
“They also have no issues with feigning remorse and apology to get to exploit others.”
Unlike psychopaths who purposely harm others, sociopaths might not be aware of the harm they’re causing.
“The reason is self-centered versus caring.”
Disregard for rules or boundaries
Sociopaths generally have no regard for consequences.
Their deceitful and impulsive tendencies may also play a role in this.
This is another characteristic that helps distinguish sociopaths and psychopaths, Mancao explains.
While a sociopath may be hasty, she says psychopaths are usually intentional and premeditated with their moves.
The difference between sociopaths and psychopaths.
Sociopaths andpsychopathshave many of the same symptoms, and they both fall under the diagnosis of ASPD.
“The differences between a sociopath and psychopath lie in their conscience and behaviors.”
They understand the concept of remorse to a degree but generally aren’t strong enough to avoid harmful behaviors.
Their ability to connect and form emotions may lead sociopaths to be more impulsive and erratic.
“The research also shows thatpsychopaths may have more of a genetic predisposition2and be colder.”
The bottom line.
Thoughsociopathandanti-socialareoften used as colloquial terms, they describe a serious mental disorder, called anti-social personality disorder.
If someone exhibits these behaviors, Abrams says it’s important to set boundaries.
