The term psychopath is used to convey a sociopath who is simply more dangerous, like a mass murderer.
Sociopaths have a limited, albeit weak, ability to feel empathy and remorse.
Violence, while certainly possible, is not an inherent characteristic of either sociopathy or psychopathy.
Alice Morgan for Verywell Mind / IMDB
Many have had parents who were substance abusers and who failed to provide parental guidance or attention.
Sociopathy also tends to be associated withharmful childhood experiences, includingsexual abuse, physical violence, or parental instability.
By contrast, psychopaths will believe that their actions are justified and feel no remorse for any harm done.
“In contrast, narcissism is a distinctpersonality disorder.
In practical utility to daily life, the main differences lie in the person’s intent.
Unlike sociopaths, some narcissists are capable of empathy and remorse.
People whom the narcissist hurts are merely unintended casualties on the way to a desired result.
On the other hand, sociopaths intend to harm others and often derive pleasure in the act.
The APA estimates the rate of APD at 0.2-3.3%.
In many cases, they may not accept or acknowledge that there is even an issue with their behavior.
At a certain point, you may have to decide if the relationship is worth preserving.
Martens W.The hidden suffering of the psychopath.Psychiatric Times.2014;31(10).
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APA, 2022.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Washington: American Psychiatric Publications Inc, p.659.
American Psychiatric Association (APA).
(2012)DSM-IV and DSM-5 Criteria for the Personality Disorders.Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: APA.
