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  • What Are the Traits of a Narcissistic Sociopath?What Are the Traits of a Narcissistic Sociopath?
  • 10 Signs of Narcissistic Sociopaths10 Signs of Narcissistic Sociopaths
  • How to Deal With a Narcissistic SociopathHow to Deal With a Narcissistic Sociopath
  • When & How a Therapist Can HelpWhen & How a Therapist Can Help
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
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Narcissism Articles Narcissism Therapy for NPD Types of Narcissism Best Online Therapy

What Is a Narcissistic Sociopath? 10 Common Signs

Headshot of Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS

Author: Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS

Headshot of Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS

Hailey Shafir LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS

Hailey specializes in adults, children, and families with addiction and mental health disorders.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Rajy Abulhosn, MD

Medical Reviewer: Rajy Abulhosn, MD Licensed medical reviewer

Published: December 7, 2024
  • What Are the Traits of a Narcissistic Sociopath?What Are the Traits of a Narcissistic Sociopath?
  • 10 Signs of Narcissistic Sociopaths10 Signs of Narcissistic Sociopaths
  • How to Deal With a Narcissistic SociopathHow to Deal With a Narcissistic Sociopath
  • When & How a Therapist Can HelpWhen & How a Therapist Can Help
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

A narcissistic sociopath derives satisfaction from manipulating, deceiving, and abusing others in order to get what they want.1, 2, 3 These individuals possess the dangerous traits of both narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), using manipulation, charm, and deceit to get what they want—often at the expense of others.4 But how can you spot narcissistic sociopath traits their dangerous behavior before it’s too late?

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What Are the Traits of a Narcissistic Sociopath?

A narcissistic sociopath (also called a narcopath or malignant narcissist)  is a person who displays both narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and antisocial personality traits. NPD involves having an inflated sense of self-importance, feeling entitled or arrogant, and constantly seeking approval from others. The symptoms of ASPD include impulsivity, aggression, and a total disregard for rules, laws, and social norms.5

Key characteristics of a narcissistic sociopath include:

Grandiose Sense of Self-Importance

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Narcissistic sociopaths often have an inflated view of themselves and believe they are superior to others.

Entitlement & Arrogance

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They feel they deserve special treatment and have little respect for others’ needs or feelings.

Excessive Need for External Validation

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Narcissistic sociopaths are driven by the constant need for praise and recognition.

Impulsivity & Aggression

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Sociopathic traits often include impulsive behavior and aggression, with little regard for consequences.

Disregard for Rules, Laws, & Social Norms

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They tend to ignore societal rules and boundaries, engaging in destructive or illegal behavior.

Lack of Empathy

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Narcissistic sociopaths have no regard for the emotions or well-being of others, making it easier for them to manipulate and exploit people.

Sadistic Tendencies

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Some experts believe that these individuals may take pleasure in causing harm or suffering, making them particularly dangerous.

Unpredictable Behavior

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They can deceive or harm others, even without a clear personal gain, which makes their actions less predictable and more dangerous.

Free Worksheets for Coping With a Narcissist

This collection of worksheets is designed to help you identify and navigate narcissistic behavior, recognize gaslighting tactics, set healthy boundaries, and reinforce your personal strengths to protect your emotional well-being. Find the one you need, or download the entire worksheet collection here.

Narcissist workbook cover page
Complete Workbook Download
Identify Narcissistic Traits Worksheet
Identifying Narcissistic Traits Download
Identifying Gaslighting Tactics Worksheet
Identifying Gaslighting Tactics Download
How to Set Healthy Boundaries Around Arguing Worksheet
Setting Healthy Boundaries Download
Personal Strengths Inventory - Dealing With Narcissists
Personal Strengths Inventory Download
Narcissistic Abuse Cycle Download

10 Signs of a Narcissistic Sociopath

A narcissistic sociopath is considered one of the most dangerous, psychologically disturbed kinds of people.1, 2, 3 Their complete lack of empathy and regard for the feelings or needs of other people makes them much more likely to act out behaviors that are typically considered wrong, bad, or even evil.4

To be classified as a narcopath, malignant narcissist, or narcissistic sociopath, a person has to display several traits of both NPD and ASPD.

Here are 10 signs of a narcissistic sociopath:

1. Narcissistic Sociopaths Create Their Own 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. A sociopath’s narcissism may also lead them to develop delusions of grandeur about being important, special, or exceptional in some way. Or, they can experience paranoid delusions that others are out to get them.1, 2

2. They Are Obsessed With Power & Control

People with NPD and ADP are power-hungry. Sociopathic narcissists put a lot of time and effort into acquiring positions that give them power or control over people, bowling over anyone who gets in their way. Once they obtain control, they may demand to be addressed in a certain way or make others follow rules that don’t make sense. This obsession 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 & 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, platonic, or familial relationships they’ve been able to maintain. They seek out codependent, nurturing individuals who are more easily manipulated and controlled through guilt, shame, or fear, and will hold onto these relationships for as long as the person remains “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

Narcissistic sociopaths 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. This can show up as outrage or narcissistic rage when they’re slighted, offended, or not granted something they feel they deserve.4 This stunted emotional range also keeps them from being able to experience empathy, sometimes leading them to engage in destructive behaviors that grant them some form of feeling.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 narcissistic discard pile stacks up and may include former friends, lovers, colleagues, and mentors. 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. 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 toward others.1, 2, 4

8. They Feed Off of Negative Energy

A narcissistic sociopath feeds off of negative emotions and energy. There is something about drama, others’ 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 ASPD. This behavior is also what makes sociopathic narcissists 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. This boredom can also turn into a restlessness that causes them to find destructive outlets. For this reason, people with these traits tend to be impulsive and aggressive, or 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 image, 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 with others.3 This internal emptiness is what they’re trying to hide from others with their narcissism, and also what they’re seeking to escape within themselves by using maintaining a level of entertainment, power, or destruction.

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How to Deal With a Narcissistic Sociopath

Dealing with a narcissistic sociopath requires setting firm boundaries, protecting your emotional well-being, and in some cases, seeking professional help. While no person is beyond hope, a narcissistic sociopath is unlikely to change, and experts recommend distancing yourself from their toxic behavior to avoid emotional and psychological harm. They can be dangerous, abusive, or violent, and should be avoided if possible.

Narcissists are most likely to become dangerous when you upset them, offend them, or fail to meet an expectation they have, but they can be unpredictable and impulsive.1 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 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 heal from narcissistic abuse, but it cannot change the narcissistic sociopath in your life. Those with this combination of personality disorders are usually unable to empathize and aren’t motivated by the same drives as others. Instead, they thrive off of their own self-interest, power, impulses, and in some cases, a sick need to hurt or control.1, 3, 4

If you are considering therapy to recover from narcissistic abuse, seek out a therapist who is knowledgeable about NPD, APD, and narcissistic abuse. Finding the right therapist who utilizes a type of trauma therapy is also recommended as they can help you overcome any shame, guilt, self-doubt, and codependence you are experiencing. You can begin your search on a free online therapist directory, or use an online therapy platform.

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You Can Escape from a Narcissist

Therapy can help you leave and recover from a narcissistic relationship. BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a free online assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.

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In My Experience

Headshot of Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS

“Narcissistic sociopaths are people who demonstrate traits of both narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders. You should avoid people with this combination of traits as they 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 limit interactions and protect yourself from their destructive impulses.”

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between Narcissists & Sociopaths?

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Narcissists and sociopaths have distinct differences. A person diagnosed with NPD has an inflated, grandiose, or arrogant view of themself, which will be demonstrated in how they interact with others.5 They are primarily driven by a need for external validation in the form of praise, power, success, or attention-seeking behaviors.6

A sociopath is a term referring to someone with ASPD. These individuals are often described as emotionless, detached, or cold. Additionally, they are either unable or unwilling to consider the feelings or needs of other people. Sociopaths tend to be driven by impulses, destructive urges, and in some instances, a desire to harm others.

What Is a Narcissistic Sociopath? Infographics

What Are the Traits of a Narcissistic Sociopath  Characteristics of a Narcissistic Sociopath   Signs of a Narcissistic Sociopath

How to Deal With a Narcissistic Sociopath

Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • E., Levy, K. N., & Yeomans, F. E. (2015). Narcissistic personality disorder: Diagnostic and clinical challenges. American Journal of Psychiatry, 172(5), 415-422.

  • George, F. R., & Short, D. (2018). The cognitive neuroscience of narcissism. Journal of Brain, Behavior and Cognitive Sciences, 1, ID-6.

  • Frick, P. J., & White, S. F. (2008). Research review: The importance of callous‐unemotional traits for developmental models of aggressive and antisocial behavior. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, 49(4), 359-375

  • Zeiders, C., & Devlin, P. (2019). Malignant Narcissism and Power: A Psychodynamic Exploration of Madness and Leadership. Routledge

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

  • Dashineau, S. C., et al. (2019). Pathological narcissism and psychosocial functioning. Personality disorders, 10(5), 473–478. https://doi.org/10.1037/per0000347

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We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

December 7, 2024
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Primary Changes: Edited for readability and clarity. Added narcissism worksheets.
August 18, 2023
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Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources.
November 16, 2021
Author: Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
Reviewer: Rajy Abulhosn, MD
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