The difference between a Psychopath and a Sociopath

[Brian G Turner]

And here's another potentially interesting topic - the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath:

Differences Between a Psychopath vs Sociopath | World of Psychology

Psychology researchers generally believe that psychopaths tends to be born — it’s likely a genetic predisposition — while sociopaths tend to be made by their environment.

...

Psychopaths, in general, have a hard time forming real emotional attachments with others. Instead, they form artificial, shallow relationships designed to be manipulated in a way that most benefits the psychopath. People are seen as pawns to be used to forward the psychopath’s goals. Psychopaths rarely feel guilt regarding any of their behaviors, no matter how much they hurt others.

...

Sociopaths, in general, tend to be more impulsive and erratic in their behavior than their psychopath counterparts. While also having difficulties in forming attachments to others, some sociopaths may be able to form an attachment to a like-minded group or person. Unlike psychopaths, most sociopaths don’t hold down long-term jobs or present much of a normal family life to the outside world.

 

[pambaddeley]

Odd as I got the impression that 'sociopath' was supposed to be the more recent more PC term to use instead of psychopath.

 

[J Riff]

What if these tests were created by Psychsociopathic persons? * )

 

[K.S. Crooks]

Psychopaths are out of touch with reality in terms of right and wrong, friend or foe, safety or danger. A sociopath cannot empathize or feel any emotions thus they are not capable relating to the joy or suffering of others. Often their violence are attempts to trigger an emotional response in themselves. This is what I think anyways, but I might be plain crazy.

 

[Cathbad]

Psychopaths are out of touch with reality in terms of right and wrong, friend or foe, safety or danger. A sociopath cannot empathize or feel any emotions thus they are not capable relating to the joy or suffering of others. Often their violence are attempts to trigger an emotional response in themselves. This is what I think anyways, but I might be plain crazy.

Dat's what I thought too!

(Nobody here but us Crazies!)

 

[thaddeus6th]

A lot of dispute between the difference (or whether it's just the same thing by another name).

One definition I liked was that a psychopath can feel sympathy, warmth etc towards people they love, can flick it off like a switch, whereas sociopaths are simply incapable.

 

[Dennis E. Taylor]

The most interesting difference mentioned (if true) is that psychopaths are born and sociopaths are made. All kinds of consequences tumble out of that possibility-- for research, for study, and for the possibility (or not) of rehabilitation.

 

[pambaddeley]

Saw a documentary some time back where a doctor discovered he had the brain signs and genes for psychopathy and his conclusion re why he hadn't turned out that way even though there were several alleged murderers in the family history, one being Lizzie Borden - History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places | Smithsonian

 

[zmunkz]

Interesting article, thanks for sharing. I've always suspected each of these conditions exists on a spectrum, but the article makes it sound like psychopathy (at least) is a bit more of a binary state... either you exhibit this cognitive deformity or you do not. Fascinating topic.

 

[Alex The G and T]

What?!? This isn't another Trump discussion?

 

[Allegra]

Interesting article. Exactly the differences between Sherlock and Prof. Moriarty, and why Dr. Watson sometimes thought it's a good thing that his friend is not on the other side.