The original infographic and information were published in 2014. For references and the 2026 statistics and terminology update, see below.
The infographic above explains common traits and differences between psychopaths and sociopaths and includes some statistical data you may want to know.
Generally speaking, although the prognosis is unfavorable for both, sociopaths are considered more likely to respond to therapy than psychopaths.
When this infographic was published in 2014, the commonly cited estimates were that psychopaths make up about 1 percent of the general population, while sociopaths make up about 4 percent. These are the numbers shown in the infographic.
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is currently estimated to affect about 2–3 percent of the general population. There isn’t a similar modern estimate for “sociopathy” because sociopathy isn’t a separate formal diagnosis.
What They Have in Common
- Both lack empathy.
- Both demonstrate disregard for social rules and behavioral standards.
- Both tend to feel little or no remorse or guilt.
- Both can be violent.
Differences Between Psychopaths and Sociopaths
- Psychopaths are more likely to be well educated and have a good career, while sociopaths often have more difficulty keeping a stable job.
- Psychopaths usually display more controlled behavior, while sociopaths are often impulsive and quick to anger.
- Psychopaths can be highly manipulative, while sociopaths are typically more spontaneous.
- Psychopaths are usually described as having difficulty forming genuine personal attachments, while sociopaths may become attached to a particular person or group.
- When crimes are involved, psychopaths are more likely to take calculated risks, such as carefully planned fraud, and try to minimize evidence. Sociopaths tend to act more impulsively and may leave more clues or evidence behind.
Of course, being described as a psychopath or sociopath doesn’t automatically mean that someone is violent or involved in crime.
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A Note About the DSM
2026 UPDATE: The current DSM-5-TR recognizes antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) as the formal diagnosis. The terms psychopathy and sociopathy are still widely used, but they are not separate DSM diagnoses.
References
- Psychopathic personality traits: heritability and genetic overlap with internalizing and externalizing psychopathology (Minnesota twin study).
- A study of the etiology of sociopathic behavior.
- How to Tell a Sociopath from a Psychopath by Dr. Scott A. Bonn, Ph.D.
- Sociopathy vs. Psychopathy by Kelly McAleer, Psy.D.
- Statistical data on psychopaths – Live Science.
- Statistical data on sociopaths – The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout, Ph.D.
For the update:
- Prevalence of Psychopathy in the General Adult Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Antisocial Personality Disorder – NCBI Bookshelf.
You may also want to take our Interactive Sociopath Quiz (Antisocial Personality Disorder) and read Sociopath Symptoms and Signs You Never Heard Of.
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