Sociopaths and psychopaths are two words that take our minds to serial killer stories and mentally ill people. This is a type of anti-social personality disorder and people who suffer from frequent extreme violence.
In JK Rowling's popular Harry Potter series, Lord Voldemort ('He who should not be named'), is described as a psychopath by the author, though he is more likely to be a sociopath. The classic example of sociopath is Count Olaf, played by Jim Carey in the movie 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' by Lemony Snicket. The tendency of psychopathic properties is described by Lord Cutler Beckett in the Pirates of the Caribbean. The most violent crime in the Lego Bionicle, Makuta is described as a sociopath by author Greg Farshtey. Psychopathic behavior has been described nicely by Joker as a villain of the Batman series.
Mentioned above are some examples of fictional sociopathic characters and psychopaths that we know. Who are the sociopaths and psychopaths we use to describe individuals who are said to be crazy and most of them are serial killers. Are all the serial killer sociopaths and psychopaths? What are the characteristics of a sociopath or a psychopath? What is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath? What is the basic psychology behind this disorder? And many other questions ran through my mind and I started looking for answers.
Definition of Sociopath and Psychopath
Sociopaths are mentally disturbed, with personality disorders characterized by features of anti-social behavior. On the other hand, psychopaths are people who have antisocial personality disorder that tends to the nature of aggressive, heretical, criminal minds with immoral behavior that has no empathy and regret. You may find both are part of antisocial personality disorder and find no difference between the two. But the facts say otherwise. There is a clear distinction between sociopaths and psychopaths.
Behavior of Anti-Social Nature - Sociopath and Psychopath
Many think sociopaths and psychopaths are people without emotional feelings toward others and do not respect the rule of law of society. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), is a manual instruction called by mental health professionals when diagnosing mental illness. It is seen that DSM-IV has labeled both conditions, sociopaths and psychopaths under the part of antisocial personality disorder. It states that there is a pattern of indifference concerning violations of the rights of others that occurred since the age of 15 years. The following factors are indications of antisocial personality:
An individual fails to conform to the social norms and legal behavior exhibited by repeated crime events and ends the arrest by the police.
Always deceiving and used to lie repeatedly, using disguises and blackmailing people for personal gain and pleasure.
They are impulsive and do not plan for the future.
They are irritable and aggressive, shown by their involvement in physical fights and cases of violence.
They have little or no regard for the safety of others and even their own.
They are irresponsible people who can not defend themselves with consistent work behavior and disrespect their financial obligations.
This indication is very accurate and valid according to the DSM-IV reference. Applies to both sociopathic and psychopathic traits. But these indications clearly fail to provide a clearer distinction between two antisocial behaviors and often lead to treatment failure for both behaviors.
Differences Between Sociopaths and Psychopaths
There is very little difference between sociopaths and psychopaths. There are many medical dictionaries that consider them identical. Second, sociopaths and psychopaths engage in antisocial behavior associated with extreme violence. Although sociopathic psychopaths and psychopaths agree, criminologists have made some difference between sociopaths and psychopaths.
Sociopaths are very disorganized people. Psychopaths are obsessively organized people.
Sociopaths can not maintain normal relationships with family, friends and co-workers. Psychopaths tend to have a normal relationship with those around them and even be able to take care of elderly and married parents.
Sociopaths are not able to keep a regular job or home. Psychopaths are very successful in careers and wise. Their ability to organize makes them very fun and trustworthy people.
Psychopaths tend to understand the emotions of others, but they do not feel emotionally or basically superficial. Thus, it is very easy for them to manipulate people with emotional games.
Sociopaths are found living on the margins of society. A study conducted with homeless people in New York as the subject, shows that most of them are sociopaths.
Psychopaths are found living in large apartments and mansions and are indistinguishable from normal people.
Sociopaths are highly erratic and unplanned for extreme violence. Their inability to plan and organize, leaving them trailing leads. This makes it very easy to identify.
Psychopaths tend to plan for years before they commit their acts of violence. They plan every detail of their crime and ensure that they remain undetected. This well-organized and detailed plan makes it very difficult to catch them.
Sociopathic Characteristics
Sociopaths tend to see their victims as a tool to be used for personal gain. They try to dominate others and embarrass their victims. They have no qualms about lying and it becomes very difficult for them to be honest. This makes them believe the falsehood of their own greatness and strength. It is seen that they can easily pass a lie test. They have problems keeping their friends, showing cruelty to people and animals. They have no problem when they harm others' lives and break their dreams. They do not feel guilty about their actions, and play blame games that make others feel responsible for their actions. Sociopaths tend to develop their characteristics because of the environmental effects on their psychology. Factors causing their antisocial behavior include poverty, accounts payable, neglected parents, family, friends or community, etc.
Psychopathic Characteristics
Psychopaths have such enchanting persuasive personalities, that they tend to blind your eyes, until when you realize it's too late. They have a personality similar to Jekyll and Hyde. They get what they want. Their lovers are bombarded with care and care, which makes them believe what they say is excessive. Thus, it is very easy for them to drain their wallets and bank accounts. They have no conscience at all. Self-satisfaction is their whole and sole purpose. They play a very small role in their behavior and are largely due to biological or genetic factors. Psychopaths tend to think of themselves as victims and play on the fact that most of their victims are believers and forgiving. They tend to be great lovers and never let their partner suspect other lovers in their lives. Psychopaths tend to be very aggressive and can lose control when angry over trivia. They have problems with controlling their behavior and are basically cruel to the pain or shame caused by others because of their actions.
Psychopaths are very selfish and need to do something to avoid boredom. They live impulsively and will never have a realistic view of their lives. They find psychological satisfaction after carrying out criminal or criminal activities.
The Equation Between Sociopaths and Psychopaths
Let us find out more about the similarities between sociopaths and psychopaths.
Sociopaths and psychopaths are mental medical disorders.
Sociopaths and psychopaths can be treated or reduced with the help of therapy and medication.
Sociopathic and psychopathic symptoms are expressed outwardly from the age of 15 years. Antisocial behavior is shown by torturing animals.
In both distractions, people seem to have no 'conscience', they show a lack of remorse for their mistakes, inability to foster sincere relationships.
Although, sociopaths and psychopaths tend to have many similarities between them, the small differences between them make them inseparable. Thus, it is very important to trace the history of individual cases before declaring them as sociopaths or psychopaths.
If you feel you are in contact with someone who has sociopathic and psychopathic characteristics as mentioned above, the first thing to do is to inform the police. Although the police will not act immediately, but keep records and help when a crime occurs. Tell your friends and family, if you have been attacked or beaten. It is important not to remain silent about any kind of abuse as it may help in saving your life. Be careful of this unusual behavior and always be vigilant.