What is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?
There seems to be a blurring of these two words, and some people seem to use them interchangeably. Is a psychopath the same as a sociopath but worse?
Answers:
They both near enough have the same meaning and are people who do not for whatever reason 'fit it' with society due to their behaviour, personality traits and inability to care about anyone else deeply enough to love another person other than themselves! they are usually self obseesed and lack boundaries, therefore have no problem with hurting or murdering another animal or human being! in this day and age a socio/psychopath are usually classed as having one of the 12 personality disorders and not a mental illness.
A psychopath and a sociopath are the same thing; nowadays the more popular term appears to be sociopath. You might say a sociopath is a person with antisocial tendencies and a psychopathic personality.
The behavior of the psychopath is more easily recognizable as abnormal or bizarre. This makes the psychopath very dangerous but easier to spot. The sociopath may have intentions that are just as bizarre and abnormal as does the psychopath but they are very difficult to detect because the behavior of the sociopath is very normal and under control.
Sociopaths therefore, pose a greater danger to society because they are able to fit in and go unrecognized until they seriously hurt or destroy someone - who least suspected it. A psychopath is an obviously, dangerous "nut". A sociopath is an "ice man" or "ice woman".
They are the same thing but they differ in behavior, but don't confuse the word Psychotic with Psychopathic, because they are very different things. A person who is Psychotic has psychosis like schizopherina and is usually not a criminal. Psychopathic usually describes someone with Anti-Social Personality disorder and this disorder causes them to commit crimes because they do not care about the rules. (its a complicated disorder)
Sociopath - one who feels like he/she is in jail when surrounded by other people.
Psychopath - one who really has been to jail.
the wikipedia definition as if you could not look it up yourself:
Sociopath:
Antisocial personality disorder (APD or ASPD) is a psychiatric diagnosis that interprets antisocial and impulsive behaviors as symptoms of a personality disorder. Psychiatry defines only pathological antisocial behavior; it does not address potential benefits of positive antisocial behavior or define the meaning of 'social' in contrast to 'antisocial'.
Professional psychiatry generally compares APD to sociopathy and psychopathic disorders (not to be confused with psychosis). Approximately 3% of men and 1% of women are thought to have some form of antisocial personality disorder according to DSM-IV.
psychopath:
Psychopathy is a term derived from the Greek psych (mind) and pathos (suffering), and was once used to denote any form of mental illness. These days, psychopathy is defined in psychiatry as a condition characterised by lack of empathy or conscience, poor impulse control and manipulative behaviors. Though in widespread use as a psychiatric term, psychopathy has no true equivalent[1] in either the DSM-IV-TR, where it is most strongly correlated with antisocial personality disorder, or the ICD-10, where it is correlated with dissocial personality disorder.
In current, clinical, use, psychopathy is most commonly diagnosed using Robert D. Hare's Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). Hare describes psychopaths as, "intraspecies predators who use charm, manipulation, intimidation, and violence to control others and to satisfy their own selfish needs. Lacking in conscience and in feelings for others, they cold-bloodedly take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without the slightest sense of guilt or regret."[2]
Outside of that, in common parlance, the term psychopathy can take on broader meanings, often being confused with psychosis, particularly by the use of the abbreviation psycho. People commonly take "psychopath" to be interchangeable with their personal perception of an evil person.
dont thank me thank wikipedia. it's there definition to read it yourself see the links.
Antisocial personality disorder and the closely related construct of psychopathy can be assessed and diagnosed through clinical interview, self-rating personality surveys, and ratings from coworkers and family. For diagnosing psychopathy in forensic male populations, the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is considered definitive.
Diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a widely used manual for diagnosing mental and behavioral disorders, defines antisocial personality disorder as a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:
failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
reckless disregard for safety of self or others
consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain steady work or honor financial obligations
lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another
The manual lists the following additional necessary criteria:
The individual is at least age 18 years.
There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years.
The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia or a Manic Episode.
[edit]
Mnemonic
A mnemonic that can be used to remember the criteria for antisocial personality disorder is CORRUPT[1][2]:
C - cannot follow law
O - obligations ignored
R - remorselessness
R - recklessness
U - underhandedness
P - planning deficit
T - temper
[edit]
Criticism of the DSM-IV criteria
The DSM-IV confound: some argue that an important distinction has been lost by including sociopathy/psychopathy together under APD. As Hare et al write in their abstract, "The Axis II Work Group of the Task Force on DSM-IV has expressed concern that antisocial personality disorder (APD) criteria are too long and cumbersome and that they focus on antisocial behaviors rather than personality traits central to traditional conceptions", concluding, ". conceptual and empirical arguments exist for evaluating alternative approaches to the assessment of psychopathy . our hope is that the information presented here will stimulate further research on the comparative validity of diagnostic criteria for psychopathy; although too late to influence DSM-IV." [1]
Let me give you an answer that wasn't copied from an online dictionary..here goes.
Both of these terms refer to people who are involved in some type of antisocial behavior. The difference lies in what cause that behavior. A sociopath is someone whose social experiences, such as family life, school life, social life etc., have led him to the antisocial behavior.
A psychopath has a cognitive issue, something in his/her brain that is causing this behavior. There could be some type of mental illness or disorder of some type that makes them this way.
At times, you may have an individual with both social and psychological issues.
Nothing! psychopath was the old jargon sociopath is the new label referring to the same diagnosis
Psychopath and sociopath are the same thing and differ from anti-social personality disorder.
Psychopath comes from the school of psychological thought. Psychology believes that the cause of behaviour is based in the brain. Psychopathic behaviour is due to structural differences in the brain, they are wired wrong, they were born that way. Psychopath is also largely used in the forensic psychological area by Hare to refer to criminals who score highly on the Hare psychopathy scale. Serial killers are nearly always scoring highly on this checklist according to Hare
Sociopath is a term used in the school of sociological thought. Sociologist beleive that society is the cause of behaviour. A sociopath's behaviour is the result of environmental factors in the home and in society and so society creates the sociopath (rather than them being born that way).
Anti-social personality disorder is a clinical psychology term, and can be diagnosed via the ever-present Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorders. Someone with ASPD have personality traits that are ticked off on a checklist (manipulative for example), and you can find this list anywhere on the net. A psychopath/sociopath would fall at the extreme end of ASPD but someone can have ASPD without being a psychopath (as they may score lowely on the Hare scale). A psychopath/sociopath is more likely to be incarcirated for extreme violent crimes whereas ASPD may have a long history of petty crimes. Neither ASPD or psychopathy are associated with high IQ, so the Hannibal Lecter type psychopath that we are use to seeing on TV is a bit of a myth.
i have often wondered if there is any difference myself. i always assumed they were the same thing, and i think this is a great question. as for an answer i must plead ignorance, but i thank the other posters for educating me today.
i always knew there was a continuum/spectrum of disorder where psychopathy etc was concerned, which i now know is called the hare scale. what worries me is just what percentage of the general population can be classed into the three disorders? and are they contagious, these disorders, ie can you develop such traits by associating with these folk, or are the traits inborn?
i wanted to give my opinion, even though i havent got a specific answer as such, sorry. i find psychology absolutely fascinating.
love and peace swot xxx
A sociopath and a psychopath are almost identical in behavioural orientations except that one is objective and the other is subjective, A psychopath, whose behaviour is subjective is worse because of its unpredictability. We all have a bit of socio pathological tendencies in us. One is due to an illusion of the mind, the other is a social realism.
Both are synonymous. I tried my bit, but couldn't find too much literature to help you out. if i still continue, i might be a sociopath/psychopath myself.
I could be wrong, but was told by an eminent psychologist that a sociopath has no conscience but it cold and calculating and less of an obvious threat, while a psychopath is out of control and may have a heavy sense of conscience, or several "consciences" which conflict. both are very dangerous and behave abnormally.
as far as I can tell there is no real difference. I believe that about 20 years ago people who committed crimes such as serial killings were called psychopaths, and then that term was changed to sociopaths. Now the terms seem to be interchangeable.
A sociopath is a narrow strip of tarmac where you can meet all sorts of people.
A psychopath is a strip of tarmac where you are allowed to ride your bicycle.
e.g. a social path and a cyclepath!
Don't know, but I know the difference between a bad marksman and a constipated owl
One shoots and can't hit and one hoots and can't...
Hope this helps
A sociopath has no concept from right and wrong. A psychopath knows the difference between the two but would like to kill you for the enjoyment or anger of the moment..
look in a dictionary
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is there anybody actually stupid enough..?
Answers:
They both near enough have the same meaning and are people who do not for whatever reason 'fit it' with society due to their behaviour, personality traits and inability to care about anyone else deeply enough to love another person other than themselves! they are usually self obseesed and lack boundaries, therefore have no problem with hurting or murdering another animal or human being! in this day and age a socio/psychopath are usually classed as having one of the 12 personality disorders and not a mental illness.
A psychopath and a sociopath are the same thing; nowadays the more popular term appears to be sociopath. You might say a sociopath is a person with antisocial tendencies and a psychopathic personality.
The behavior of the psychopath is more easily recognizable as abnormal or bizarre. This makes the psychopath very dangerous but easier to spot. The sociopath may have intentions that are just as bizarre and abnormal as does the psychopath but they are very difficult to detect because the behavior of the sociopath is very normal and under control.
Sociopaths therefore, pose a greater danger to society because they are able to fit in and go unrecognized until they seriously hurt or destroy someone - who least suspected it. A psychopath is an obviously, dangerous "nut". A sociopath is an "ice man" or "ice woman".
They are the same thing but they differ in behavior, but don't confuse the word Psychotic with Psychopathic, because they are very different things. A person who is Psychotic has psychosis like schizopherina and is usually not a criminal. Psychopathic usually describes someone with Anti-Social Personality disorder and this disorder causes them to commit crimes because they do not care about the rules. (its a complicated disorder)
Sociopath - one who feels like he/she is in jail when surrounded by other people.
Psychopath - one who really has been to jail.
the wikipedia definition as if you could not look it up yourself:
Sociopath:
Antisocial personality disorder (APD or ASPD) is a psychiatric diagnosis that interprets antisocial and impulsive behaviors as symptoms of a personality disorder. Psychiatry defines only pathological antisocial behavior; it does not address potential benefits of positive antisocial behavior or define the meaning of 'social' in contrast to 'antisocial'.
Professional psychiatry generally compares APD to sociopathy and psychopathic disorders (not to be confused with psychosis). Approximately 3% of men and 1% of women are thought to have some form of antisocial personality disorder according to DSM-IV.
psychopath:
Psychopathy is a term derived from the Greek psych (mind) and pathos (suffering), and was once used to denote any form of mental illness. These days, psychopathy is defined in psychiatry as a condition characterised by lack of empathy or conscience, poor impulse control and manipulative behaviors. Though in widespread use as a psychiatric term, psychopathy has no true equivalent[1] in either the DSM-IV-TR, where it is most strongly correlated with antisocial personality disorder, or the ICD-10, where it is correlated with dissocial personality disorder.
In current, clinical, use, psychopathy is most commonly diagnosed using Robert D. Hare's Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). Hare describes psychopaths as, "intraspecies predators who use charm, manipulation, intimidation, and violence to control others and to satisfy their own selfish needs. Lacking in conscience and in feelings for others, they cold-bloodedly take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without the slightest sense of guilt or regret."[2]
Outside of that, in common parlance, the term psychopathy can take on broader meanings, often being confused with psychosis, particularly by the use of the abbreviation psycho. People commonly take "psychopath" to be interchangeable with their personal perception of an evil person.
dont thank me thank wikipedia. it's there definition to read it yourself see the links.
Antisocial personality disorder and the closely related construct of psychopathy can be assessed and diagnosed through clinical interview, self-rating personality surveys, and ratings from coworkers and family. For diagnosing psychopathy in forensic male populations, the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is considered definitive.
Diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a widely used manual for diagnosing mental and behavioral disorders, defines antisocial personality disorder as a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:
failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
reckless disregard for safety of self or others
consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain steady work or honor financial obligations
lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another
The manual lists the following additional necessary criteria:
The individual is at least age 18 years.
There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years.
The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia or a Manic Episode.
[edit]
Mnemonic
A mnemonic that can be used to remember the criteria for antisocial personality disorder is CORRUPT[1][2]:
C - cannot follow law
O - obligations ignored
R - remorselessness
R - recklessness
U - underhandedness
P - planning deficit
T - temper
[edit]
Criticism of the DSM-IV criteria
The DSM-IV confound: some argue that an important distinction has been lost by including sociopathy/psychopathy together under APD. As Hare et al write in their abstract, "The Axis II Work Group of the Task Force on DSM-IV has expressed concern that antisocial personality disorder (APD) criteria are too long and cumbersome and that they focus on antisocial behaviors rather than personality traits central to traditional conceptions", concluding, ". conceptual and empirical arguments exist for evaluating alternative approaches to the assessment of psychopathy . our hope is that the information presented here will stimulate further research on the comparative validity of diagnostic criteria for psychopathy; although too late to influence DSM-IV." [1]
Let me give you an answer that wasn't copied from an online dictionary..here goes.
Both of these terms refer to people who are involved in some type of antisocial behavior. The difference lies in what cause that behavior. A sociopath is someone whose social experiences, such as family life, school life, social life etc., have led him to the antisocial behavior.
A psychopath has a cognitive issue, something in his/her brain that is causing this behavior. There could be some type of mental illness or disorder of some type that makes them this way.
At times, you may have an individual with both social and psychological issues.
Nothing! psychopath was the old jargon sociopath is the new label referring to the same diagnosis
Psychopath and sociopath are the same thing and differ from anti-social personality disorder.
Psychopath comes from the school of psychological thought. Psychology believes that the cause of behaviour is based in the brain. Psychopathic behaviour is due to structural differences in the brain, they are wired wrong, they were born that way. Psychopath is also largely used in the forensic psychological area by Hare to refer to criminals who score highly on the Hare psychopathy scale. Serial killers are nearly always scoring highly on this checklist according to Hare
Sociopath is a term used in the school of sociological thought. Sociologist beleive that society is the cause of behaviour. A sociopath's behaviour is the result of environmental factors in the home and in society and so society creates the sociopath (rather than them being born that way).
Anti-social personality disorder is a clinical psychology term, and can be diagnosed via the ever-present Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorders. Someone with ASPD have personality traits that are ticked off on a checklist (manipulative for example), and you can find this list anywhere on the net. A psychopath/sociopath would fall at the extreme end of ASPD but someone can have ASPD without being a psychopath (as they may score lowely on the Hare scale). A psychopath/sociopath is more likely to be incarcirated for extreme violent crimes whereas ASPD may have a long history of petty crimes. Neither ASPD or psychopathy are associated with high IQ, so the Hannibal Lecter type psychopath that we are use to seeing on TV is a bit of a myth.
i have often wondered if there is any difference myself. i always assumed they were the same thing, and i think this is a great question. as for an answer i must plead ignorance, but i thank the other posters for educating me today.
i always knew there was a continuum/spectrum of disorder where psychopathy etc was concerned, which i now know is called the hare scale. what worries me is just what percentage of the general population can be classed into the three disorders? and are they contagious, these disorders, ie can you develop such traits by associating with these folk, or are the traits inborn?
i wanted to give my opinion, even though i havent got a specific answer as such, sorry. i find psychology absolutely fascinating.
love and peace swot xxx
A sociopath and a psychopath are almost identical in behavioural orientations except that one is objective and the other is subjective, A psychopath, whose behaviour is subjective is worse because of its unpredictability. We all have a bit of socio pathological tendencies in us. One is due to an illusion of the mind, the other is a social realism.
Both are synonymous. I tried my bit, but couldn't find too much literature to help you out. if i still continue, i might be a sociopath/psychopath myself.
I could be wrong, but was told by an eminent psychologist that a sociopath has no conscience but it cold and calculating and less of an obvious threat, while a psychopath is out of control and may have a heavy sense of conscience, or several "consciences" which conflict. both are very dangerous and behave abnormally.
as far as I can tell there is no real difference. I believe that about 20 years ago people who committed crimes such as serial killings were called psychopaths, and then that term was changed to sociopaths. Now the terms seem to be interchangeable.
A sociopath is a narrow strip of tarmac where you can meet all sorts of people.
A psychopath is a strip of tarmac where you are allowed to ride your bicycle.
e.g. a social path and a cyclepath!
Don't know, but I know the difference between a bad marksman and a constipated owl
One shoots and can't hit and one hoots and can't...
Hope this helps
A sociopath has no concept from right and wrong. A psychopath knows the difference between the two but would like to kill you for the enjoyment or anger of the moment..
look in a dictionary
The answers post by the user, for information only, UKQnA.com does not guarantee the right.