Narcissist versus sociopath – which is it?

 

I’ve posted a number of blogs about fraudsters Anna Sorokin and Alexander Marc Hatton as well as pieces about the Casanova Scammer and the Tinder Swindler. It’s about time now to try to figure out they can be differentiated.

So, Narcissist versus sociopath. What’re the differences? Using the following two lists, a leading London therapist, psychologist Mark Levrant, weighs in on the attempts to distinguish between the two.

Narcissist versus sociopath – how to tell ’em apart?

Traits of a narcissist

Narcissists are more driven by a need to be adored and will break rules (all the time) and laws (less often) if necessary to fulfill the uncontrollable need of their ego.

They will exaggerate and lie about their achievements and qualities in order to garner adoration.

They are vain and although they consider others to be inferior, they are still very concerned with what others think about them.

They are fantasists [exaggerators, often liars)  and think only of power and status.

They are jealous and possessive.

They want power and success at all costs but not usually through violent means.Violence will sometimes occur but as a means of exerting control, not for its own sake.

They crave status and acknowledgement that they are ‘special’, and will demand special treatment from others.

They might be surprised at their behavior being described as criminal, as image is vitally important to them.
Rules are for lesser mortals.

They would take no particular pleasure in hurting others but ‘collateral damage’ in the pursuit of their goals is acceptable.

They can sometimes be successfully treated and rehabilitated, but you still wouldn’t want to live with one.

 

Traits of a sociopath.

Sociopaths are driven by personal gain, not status, says therapist Levrant.

They have none of the usual restraints society places upon us.

They will often break laws, might behave violently and may even murder.
Hurting people physically and emotionally is completely acceptable to them, and they can be wildly aggressive if         thwarted or challenged.

They’re often chaotic, disruptive and incapable of productive work.

They are motivated by the control of and power over others.

They’re not concerned with their image and might not appear vain.

The views of others leaves them unaffected because others are worthless.

They will usually have a long history of being at odds with authority
and would likely have been involved in particularly cruel behavior when young.

They’re incapable of feeling guilt or empathy and see ‘normal’ behavior as weak.

They will ruthlessly pursue whatever it is they want at any particular time.

They cannot maintain relationships or monogamy.

They can rarely be successfully rehabilitated but can con others into believing they’re contrite.

They will form the bulk of early-release prisoners who subsequently violently reoffend.

 

The differences.

While narcissists and sociopaths may appear to have some similar traits based on the signs listed above, they have a number of distinct differences, including their motivation and how and why they treat others the way they do.

Here’s a summary of the differences from BetterHelp.com.

Motivation

Narcissists have a larger-than-life self-perspective and often present this exaggerated, brilliant version of themselves to others in general.

Sociopaths, on the other hand, tend to have motivation that is based on what interests them and their specific goals, and do not require any personality or ego fulfillment.

How They View Others

In the perspective of a narcissist, the expectation of others to praise and admire the persona they present to the world is influenced by a need to be seen as “special,” and to fulfill their ego.

Sociopaths do not require this admiration to meet their goals. Sociopaths often treat people as expendable, but also have the ability to be incredibly manipulative and charming.

Need for Reputation

Narcissists struggle with an ego that often needs support to maintain its “special,” VIP status, which the narcissist wholly believes is an accurate representation of themself.

Sociopaths will break laws and norms without any care to meet their goals and interests. As a result, sociopaths tend to have difficulties maintaining work and may be frequently involved with the legal system.

Your Turn to play “Narcissist versus sociopath?”

Try your hand now at figuring out if that “crazy” boss, ex-partner, friend, or family member is a narcissist or a sociopath.

 

 

My latest book, PRIVILEGED KILLERS, is a true story about a half-dozen Dark Triad people in my everyday life - narcissists, manipulators, and psychopaths. Three of 'em murdered people, and one came after my wife and me. Print and e-book versions of this (and CLEFT HEART) available at Amazon and elsewhere online. Also at your local bookstore.