For references see below.
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The infographic above explains key common traits and differences between psychopath and sociopath and includes some statistical data you may want to know. Generally speaking, although prognosis is unfavorable for both, sociopath is more likely to respond to therapy than psychopath.
Psychopaths: According to estimation, psychopaths make up about 1 percent of the general population.
Sociopaths: About 4 percent of the general population.
Things they have in common:
- Both suffer from antisocial personality disorder.
- Both lack empathy.
- Both demonstrate complete disregard to social rules and behavioral standards.
- Both fail to feel any remorse or guilt.
- Both can be violent.
Differences between psychopaths and sociopaths:
- While the origin of psychopathic condition is likely to be in psychopath’s innate condition, sociopathy is usually a result of environment and upbringing. According to Minnesota study of twins reared apart, psychopathy is an inherited condition in as many as 60 percent of cases. As for sociopathy, research shows that there is significant association between early institutionalization and sociopathic behavior in later life.
- A psychopath is likely to be well-educated and have a good career while a sociopath is often unable to keep a stable job.
- Psychopath usually display controlled behavior while sociopath are often impulsive and angry.
- Psychopaths can be highly manipulative while sociopaths are typically more spontaneous.
- A typical psychopath is completely unable to form any personal attachments while a sociopath may get attached to a particular person or group.
- A psychopath will usually take calculated risks (e.g., fraud schemes) and minimize evidence while a sociopath tends to leave clues and evidence because of spontaneous nature of their crimes.
Are you in a relationship with sociopath, narcissist or narcissistic sociopath?
UPDATE: “Both suffer from antisocial personality disorder” is in accordance with the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) 2013 release where psychopathy and sociopathy are both listed under antisocial personality disorders (ASPD).
Other references:
- Psychopathic personality traits: heritability and genetic overlap with internalizing and externalizing psychopathology (Minnesota twin study) – link.
- A study of the etiology of sociopathic behavior.
- How to Tell a Sociopath from a Psychopath by Dr. Scott A. Bonn, Ph.D. He wrote a book on this topic called Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World’s Most Savage Murderers
- Sociopathy vs. Psychopathy by Kelly Mc Aleer, Psy.D.
- Statistical data for psychopath – Live Science
- Statistical data for sociopath – The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout, Ph. D.
You may also want to take Interactive Sociopath Quiz (Antisocial Personality Disorder) and Sociopath Symptoms and Signs You Never Heard Of.
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