Is a Sociopathic Narcissist the Same Thing as a Narcissistic Sociopath?
The term narcissistic sociopath is used to describe someone who manipulates and harms others for their own personal gain.
Narcissistic sociopaths are sometimes called sociopathic narcissists or sociopathic malignant narcissists.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Most people assume that others have the same moral code as themselves.
So, it can come as a shock when you cross paths with someone who shatters that perception.
How to Identify a Malignant Narcissist
Narcissistic sociopaths are not always easy to identify.
Some people may show traits of a narcissistic sociopath.
These two personality disorders are both a part of the Cluster B group in the DSM-5-TR.
What Is a Personality Disorder?
Five or moreof the following DSM-5-TR criteria need to be present for an official diagnosis.
People with this disorder may monopolize conversations and look down on people whom they feel are inferior to them.
Individuals with NPD live with many negative outcomes of their personality disorder.
They have trouble regulating their behavior and emotions, feel easily slighted, and may have relationship problems.
People with NPD can become depressed if they fall short of what they feel is ideal.
They may secretly feel insecure, vulnerable, and humiliated and have fragileself-esteem.
Narcissistic Sociopath Causes
So what causes a person to become a narcissistic sociopath?
These disorders also tend to be more common in males than females and begin in the teenage/early adult years.
Narcissism intensifies with qualities of APD (or sociopathy) to worsen outcomes.
There will be no guilt, no apologies, and no remorse from the narcissistic sociopath.
After all, it’s all just a game, and the people are pawns.
The Prototypical Narcissistic Sociopath
What would a prototypical narcissistic sociopath look like?
Most likely, you’ve encountered these types of people in news reports.
A narcissistic sociopathic business owner might default on debts or misrepresent what the company is selling.
The scariest part is that people with this disorder are hard to spot.
They may be polished, well-dressed, successful, and charming.
In particular, people with these disorders who have money and privilege may be particularly hard to spot.
Some will be physically aggressive, while others may be harmful on an emotional level.
They both feel entitled and deny responsibility for their actions.
They usually lack empathy, emotional responsiveness, and insight into their personality disorder.
How Narcissists and Sociopaths Differ
The driving force behind the two disorders differs.
The narcissist’segois always at stake, and this drives many of their behaviors.
They are less likely to brag than narcissists.
Sociopaths are morecalculating, while narcissists are morereactive.
Therapy is a game to be manipulated, and the therapist is a pawn.
Does the person:
Unfortunately, narcissistic sociopaths are good at finding the right people to manipulate.
They can see when someone is trusting.
This is known as “cognitive dissonance.”
The first step to dealing with this person is to stop reinterpreting the facts.
Don’t give someone with a narcissistic sociopathic personality the benefit of the doubt.
You’re a good, trusting person who wants to see the good in othersthat’s understandable.
This may make it hard for you to see clearly.
You might also be in a disadvantaged social or financial position that impairs your ability to fight back.
If the relationship is abusive, you must find a way to leave.
It’s not an easy decision whether to stay or go.
Fighting or arguing with the narcissistic sociopath won’t help and will only make things worse.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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McLean Hospital.NPD provider guide.
