A few months past while discussing the writing of my newest work-in-progress, Where Demons Hide, several friends commented on what a sociopath my character was, and others commented on what a psychopath he was. This led me to wonder, is there a difference? I decided to ask around my doctor friends but the issue wasn’t resolved as it seems that there is some discord between them on this subject.

Sociopath and Psychopath – What’s the Difference?

This question is up for debate among some of our leading experts as they try to discern whether or not there are any meaningful differences between the two. However during the course of my research I’ve come across many articles and several books that clearly state the distinctions between the two.

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) lists both psychopathy and sociopathy disorders under the heading of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). Because both of these disorders share many common traits, it is what leads to the confusion as to whether there is enough of a line between the two to classify them separately.

Though both share commonalities such as a disregard for the law, disregard for other people’s rights, tendencies toward violence, and a failure for remorse, there are some experts who draw a definite line between the two. I loved an article I read by Dr. Scott Bonn where he broke out the differences as follows:

“Sociopaths tend to be nervous and easily agitated. They are volatile and prone to emotional outbursts, including fits of rage. They are likely to be uneducated and live on the fringes of society, unable to hold down a steady job or stay in one place for very long. It is difficult but not impossible for sociopaths to form attachments with others. Many sociopaths are able to form an attachment to a particular individual or group, although they have no regard for society in general or its rules. In the eyes of others, sociopaths will appear to be very disturbed. Any crimes committed by a sociopath, including murder, will tend to be haphazard, disorganized and spontaneous rather than planned.

“Psychopaths, on the other hand, are unable to form emotional attachments or feel real empathy with others, although they often have disarming or even charming personalities. Psychopaths are very manipulative and can easily gain people’s trust. They learn to mimic emotions, despite their inability to actually feel them, and will appear normal to unsuspecting people. Psychopaths are often well educated and hold steady jobs. Some are so good at manipulation and mimicry that they have families and other long-term relationships without those around them ever suspecting their true nature.

“When committing crimes, psychopaths carefully plan out every detail in advance and often have contingency plans in place. Unlike their sociopathic counterparts, psychopathic criminals are cool, calm, and meticulous. Their crimes, whether violent or non-violent, will be highly organized and generally offer few clues for authorities to pursue. Intelligent psychopaths make excellent white-collar criminals and “con artists” due to their calm and charismatic natures.

“The cause of psychopathy is different than the cause of sociopathy (1). It is believed that psychopathy is the result of “nature” (genetics) while sociopathy is the result of “nurture” (environment). Psychopathy is related to a physiological defect that results in the underdevelopment of the part of the brain responsible for impulse control and emotions. Sociopathy, on the other hand, is more likely the product of childhood trauma and physical/emotional abuse. Because sociopathy appears to be learned rather than innate, sociopaths are capable of empathy in certain limited circumstances but not in others, and with a few individuals but not others.”

I am currently reading The Psychopath Whisperer by Kent A. Kiehl, PhD where he spent several years in a Canadian maximum security prison interviewing inmates and conducting EEGs. Fascinating material if you are studying about psychopaths.

Stay tuned in for more as I work my way through the writing of Where Demons Hide – A psychopath’s Journey.

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Until next time, keep on dreaming and writing.

Dee