There has always been confusion and debate about the differences between psychopaths and sociopaths. Psychologists have studied both anti-social disorders for years. Because both psychopathy and sociopathy are anti-social personality disorders, they are often considered in the same manner by psychologists and clinicians. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) states the following about these two anti-social personality disorders:
Deceit and manipulation are central features of ASPD. Individuals with ASPD fail to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behavior… such as destroying property, harassing others, stealing… disregard[ing] the wishes, rights, or feelings of others…in order to gain personal profit or pleasure. (American Psychiatric, 645)
The two disorders are sometimes used interchangeably in movies and television. There are, however, notable differences in certain characteristics between the psychopath and sociopath, such as their history, morality and reasoning, emotion and remorse, and the violent tendencies between that of the psychopath versus the sociopath.
It is generally believed that psychopathy is more of an inborn phenomenon, a “faulty brain wiring.” Certain experts feel that psychological, biological and genetic components…show more content… Psychopaths are typically impulsive, self-centered, aggressive, fearless and opportunistic. A psychopath can sometimes show unstable behavior and even random acts of violence. The psychopath has no regards for the rights, feelings, and safety of another human being, and sadly enough, sometimes no regards for his own safety. The sociopath, on the other hand, can plan, sometimes for years, and may often be motivated by greed or revenge. Violent crimes by sociopaths are often controlled and the scale of these crimes can often go undetected until well after he is