What is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?

PEOPLE often throw around the labels “sociopath” and “psychopath” interchangeably, despite some critical differences between the two.

While both lack a sense of right or wrong, there are some critical differences between the two.

What is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?

There are several differences between the two, but first, let’s start with what traits the two have in common.

Both lack empathy, which, according to Greater Good Magazine, means “the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling.”

While sociopaths have a conscience (that little voice telling you that what you’re doing is wrong), they just often ignore it.

Psychopaths, on the other hand, lack any sense of conscience, and feel no wrongdoing for their actions, regardless of what harm it may cause.

They often are high-performing in their fields, as they are more likely to keep cool under pressure and to charm those around them.

Here are some more common differences, from Very Well Mind.

Sociopaths:

• Breaking the law
• Physical aggression
• Manipulation of other people for personal gain
• Anger and hostility
• Unpredictable mood swings
• Impulsive behaviors
• Chaotic and dramatic life
• The exploitation of other people
• Irresponsibility
• No guilt or remorse

Psychopaths:

• Feeling few (if any) emotions
• Sadism (pleasure from causing pain to others)
• Lack of care for others
• Pathological lying
• Charming personality
• Lack of fear
• Risk-taking behavior
• Unreliable in relationships
• Inability to love
• No remorse for wrongdoing
• Poor judgment
• Lack of life goals

What causes sociophathy and psychopathy?

Neither sociopathy nor psychopathy has a clearly outlined “cause.”

Sociopaths, scientist believe, are a creation of their surroundings at a young age.

Many have been abused, neglected, or who don’t form connections with their caregivers are thought to be most likely to become sociopaths.

No everyone who is abused will become a sociopath, and not all sociopaths were abused, though.

Psychopaths are thought to be more likely to be genetically influenced than influenced by their surroundings.

That is to say that while psychopaths may be born with malfunctions to their brains or genetic markers for psychopathy, sociopaths are more likely to be trained to turn off parts of their brains for survival.

What percentage of the population are pychopaths and sociopaths?

According to a study by Fronteirs, approximately 4.5% of the adult population has the characteristics to meet the criteria of being a psychopath.

According to Dr. Martha Stout, one in 25, or 4% of the population is a sociopath.

If these numbers seem high, remember that many psychopaths and sociopaths may never show any type of violent streak.

Many are just as likely to exploit you or charm you into allowing themselves to walk all over you on their way to the top of the corporate ladder.