A sociopath is not the same thing as apsychopath.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably in conversation and popular culture, neither is an official diagnosis.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
What Is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
A person doesn’t suddenly “get” ASPD.
Instead, they will have had a long history of these behaviors arising since at least adolescence.
This serves as the basis to differentiate sociopaths from psychopaths.
While sociopaths may have a weak conscience and venture to justify their actions, psychopaths typically lack a conscience.
Sociopaths also act more impulsively, jumping on opportunities without thought.
Psychopaths tend to be more strategic and think before acting, acting intentionally even if irrational.
Anger and Relationships
People with sociopathy are often quick to get angry when confronted about their behavior.
By contrast, psychopaths generally do not explode under pressure.
A person with psychopathy will also avoid getting into relationships unless it serves their gains.
These include:
By contrast, people with psychopathy are more likely to experience concomitant personality disorders.
Are You Born a Sociopath or Psychopath?
In this context, a sociopath may seen to be a “product of their upbringing.”
In contrast, some researchers theorize that abnormal brain physiology or chemistry may contribute to psychopathic behaviors.
This suggests psychopaths are more likely to have been “born this way.”
For example, children who experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse are more likely to develop ASPD.
The loss of plasticity in the amygdala could translate to an inability to recognize danger or feel certain emotions.
At present, the cause of these physiological changes is unknown.
Psychotherapy can be recommended, and some people benefit from taking medications to help with symptoms of ASPD.
Medications
No medication is approved for the treatment of ASPD.
The causes of sociopathic and psychopathic tendencies are complex, and there is no specific treatment for either condition.
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