A narcissistic sociopath describes a dangerous person who demonstrates traits and symptoms of both narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and antisocial personality disorder (APD). They derive satisfaction from manipulating, deceiving, using, and abusing others in order to get what they want.1,2,3 They may use charm, charisma, humor, or other disguises to get people to like and trust them, making it harder to detect their narcissistic and sociopathic traits.4
Characteristics of a Narcissistic Sociopath
A narcissistic sociopath is a person who displays both narcissistic and antisocial personality traits. NPD is characterized as a grandiose sense of self-importance, attitude of entitlement or arrogance, and an excessive need for external validation. The symptoms of ASD include impulsivity, aggression, and a total disregard for rules, laws, and social norms.5
A narcissistic sociopath (also called a narcopath or malignant narcissist) has both disorders and is considered one of the most dangerous and psychologically disturbed kinds of people.1,2,3 Their complete lack of empathy or regard for the feelings or needs of other people makes them much more likely to act out behaviors that most people would consider wrong, bad, or even evil.4
Unlike classic narcissists, sociopathic narcissists are not only driven by their own self-interest. Some experts believe that narcissistic sociopaths are sadistic, and derive pleasure or satisfaction from the suffering of other people.1,2 This makes them less predictable and also more dangerous than classic narcissists, as they may deceive, exploit, or harm someone even when there is nothing for them to “gain” from doing so.
Differences Between Narcissists & Sociopaths
Narcissists and sociopaths have distinct differences. Narcissists are people who have narcissistic personality disorder. Someone with NPD has an inflated, grandiose, or arrogant view of themselves, and demonstrates this in how they interact with others.5 They are primarily driven by a need for external validation, which they might seek out in the form of praise, power, success, or attention from others.6
A sociopath is a term used to describe someone with antisocial personality disorder. A person with APD is often described as emotionless, detached, or cold, and is either unable or unwilling to consider the feelings or needs of other people. They tend to be driven by impulses, destructive urges, and in some instances, a desire to harm others.
10 Signs of a Narcissistic Sociopath
In order to be classified as a narcopath, malignant narcissist, or narcissistic sociopath, a person has to display several traits of both NPD and APD. Some of these signs include delusions, an obsession with power and control, taking advantage of others, and no moral boundaries.
Here are ten signs of a narcissistic sociopath:
1. They Live In a Deluded Reality
Narcissistic sociopaths don’t see the world in the same way other people do. In their distorted version of reality, they are entitled to whatever they want, regardless of what it takes to get it or who is hurt in the process.4 They will justify their actions, even ones that are inexcusable, and show no remorse.
Their narcissism may also lead them to develop delusions of grandeur about being important, special, or exceptional in some way, or paranoid delusions that others are out to get them.1,2
2. They Are Obsessed With Power & Control
People with NPD and ADP are often power hungry, and put a lot of time and effort into acquiring positions that give them power or control over other people, bowling over anyone who gets in their way. Once they obtain power, they may demand to be addressed in a certain way or make others follow rules that don’t make sense.
Their obsession with power and control also tends to show up as a refusal to acknowledge any other authority, including rules, laws, policies, or requests made of them by others.4
3. They Take Advantage of & Use Other People
Narcissistic sociopaths have a habit of using, exploiting, and taking advantage of others. This tendency shows up in all of their relationships, including romantic relationships and any friendships or family relationships they’ve been able to maintain. They seek out codependent, nurturing types who are more easily manipulated and controlled through guilt, shame, or fear, and will hold onto these relationships only as long as the person is “useful.”4
4. They Have No Moral Boundaries
There are no lines a narcissistic sociopath won’t cross to get what they want. Their moral compass is non-existent, leaving them without the sense of “right and wrong” that most people have. After doing something harmful, illegal, or sadistic, they won’t feel remorse, regret, or guilt. In fact, they may even feel a sense of satisfaction knowing they were able to deceive, emotionally manipulate, or hurt someone.1,3,4
5. They Have a Limited Range of Emotions
Malignant narcissists don’t experience feelings of love and affection, or more vulnerable emotions like guilt, shame, or sadness. The only strong emotion they seem to be able to access is anger, which will show up as outrage when they’re slighted, offended, or not granted something they feel they deserve.4
Their stunted emotional range also keeps them from being able to have empathy for other people, and may also lead them to destructive behaviors that allow them to feel something.1,3
6. They Have a Huge Discard Pile
Narcissistic sociopaths are known to discard people and things that are no longer useful to them. Over time, their discard pile stacks up and may include former friends, lovers, colleagues, and mentors who they betrayed, abandoned, or abused. Their discard pile may also include expensive material things they got bored or tired of, as well as roles or activities that served a purpose at one time, but are no longer useful to them.4
7. They Become Hostile When Threatened
Narcissistic sociopaths are most dangerous when they feel threatened, which may be more often than most people. Because of their natural tendency to be paranoid, less trusting, and more easily offended, threats can be a routine occurrence for them. When they feel threatened, the narcopath will often become hostile and aggressive, lashing out and becoming abusive towards others.1,2,4
8. They Feed Off of Negative Energy
The narcissistic sociopath is a person who feeds off of negative emotions and energy. There is something about drama, other’s fear or pain, or the chaos of disaster that seems to excite them or give them energy. This kind of parasitic attraction to negativity is a telltale sign of a sick person, including a person who may have traits of NPD and APD.
This behavior is also what makes a sociopathic narcissist sadistic and dangerous, causing them to enjoy the pain and suffering of others.1
9. They Get Bored Easily
A narcissistic sociopath is constantly seeking sensations and cheap thrills because nothing can hold their interest and attention for long. They become easily bored with people, things, and activities, and will abandon them once they are no longer entertained.
Their boredom can also turn into a restlessness that causes them to find destructive outlets, which is why people with these traits tend to be impulsive, aggressive, and engaged in crime, violence, or drug use.1,4
10. They Are Empty Inside
A narcissistic sociopath may have worked hard to craft a powerful, important-looking exterior, but this is a front. Lacking the ability to feel a full range of emotions makes them hollow and empty on the inside, keeping them from really experiencing things, expressing themselves, or connecting and relating with others.3
This internal emptiness is what they’re trying to hide from others with their narcissism, and also what they’re trying to escape within themselves by using drugs or maintaining a level of entertainment, power, or destruction.
How to Deal With a Narcissistic Sociopath
While no person is beyond hope, a person with narcissistic and antisocial personality disorder is unlikely to change. Narcissistic sociopaths can be dangerous, abusive, or violent, and should be avoided if possible. They’re most likely to become dangerous when you upset them, offend them, or fail to meet an expectation they have, but they can also be unpredictable and impulsive.1
The question “Are narcissists dangerous?” can be a legitimate concern, so appropriate caution should be considered. Some narcissistic sociopaths are even sadistic and enjoy inflicting pain, which displays a level of brokenness that even therapy may not be able to correct.1,3,4 For these reasons, most experts recommend that you not get into a relationship with someone who has these traits, and to leave a relationship if you see these signs. If that’s not an option, start by learning how to deal with a narcissist, protect yourself, and behave in ways that are less likely to make you their target.
When & How a Therapist Can Help
Therapy can help you overcome a range of issues, including helping you recover from narcissistic abuse, but it cannot change the narcissistic sociopath in your life. People with this combination of personality disorders are usually unable to empathize and aren’t motivated by the same drives as others. Instead, they’re driven by self-interest, power, impulses, and in some cases, a sick need to hurt or control.1,3,4
If you want therapy to heal from abuse from a narcissistic sociopath, seek out a therapist who is knowledgeable about NPD, APD, and narcissistic abuse. Finding a therapist who is trauma-informed is also recommended. They can help you overcome common impacts of narcissistic abuse including shame, guilt, self-doubt, and codependence. Begin your search on a free online therapist directory.
Final Thoughts on Narcissistic Sociopaths
Narcissistic sociopaths are people who demonstrate traits of both narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders. People with this combination of traits and tendencies lack empathy and often behave in ways that are abusive or exploitative.1,3 Knowing the signs of a narcissistic sociopath can help you identify people with these dangerous traits so you can avoid interactions and protect yourself from their destructive impulses.
