You may think your significant other is a narcissist, or maybe your neighbor acts like a total sociopath.
The truth is, people often use these terms without realizing what they actually mean.
In some instances, they even use the words interchangeably.
However, there are several key differences between a sociopath and a narcissist.
Like with many personality disorders, narcissism exists on a spectrum.
So what are these criteria for both of these disorders?
How do they differ from one another?
A diagnosis for NPD requires at least five of the following traits to be present: 1.
Suffers from delusions of grandeur; 2.
Fantasizes about endless power, success, beauty, and so on; 3.
Lacks empathy for others; 4.
Needs constant admiration; 5.
Acts arrogant; 6.
Is envious of others, or assumes others are envious of them; 7.
Believes they are special and can only associate themselves with other “special” people or institutions; 8.
Unreasonably demands favorable treatment, and believes others should easily adhere to their wishes; 9.
Exploits or manipulates others to meet their personal end goals (perPsychology Today).
So what are the criteria needed to diagnose APD?
A conduct disorder must be present in childhood or early adolescence.
Symptoms of a conduct disorder include: 1.
Acting aggressively towards people and animals; 2.
Destroying property; 4.
Being deceitful; 5.
Seriously violating rules (per Mayo Clinic).
Does not maintain consistency in school or work; 2.
Is not able to conform to social norms (i.e.
following the law); 3.
Dismisses truth by pathologically lying, using aliases, or conning; 4.
Impulsive and incapable of planning for the future; 5.
Irritable and aggressive/violent; 6.
Reckless when it comes to the safety of themselves and/or others; 7.
Perpetually irresponsible; 8.
Remorseless when hurting, mistreating, or stealing from others; 9.
Does not have monogamous relationships for more than one year (viaPsychology Today).
However, there are some personality traits that cross over between the two.
They can also be controlling, selfish, dishonest, and unreliable, perPsychology Today.
In fact, sociopaths don’t have much personality at all, which makes them more covert.
They may even focus their attention on others if it helps them fulfill their end goal.
Narcissists, in contrast, are easier to spot, and less calculating.
