Sociopath Vs. Narcissist: Understanding the Difference

What Is a Narcissist?

Those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) possess a grandiose sense of self and a need for frequent validation and attention. Narcissists often have little empathy for others, respond poorly to criticism, and are insecure.^1,2,3,4 Narcissism is expressed differently depending on the type of narcissism one has. For example, covert narcissists typically internalize narcissistic characteristics, unlike communal narcissists who flourish in group settings.

Signs of a narcissist include:^1,2,3,4

• Significantly heightened sense of self
• Frequently requiring admiration and approval
• Preoccupation with fantasies about limitless power and success
• Believing they are unique and superior to others
• Expressing unreasonable expectations of people
• Lacking the ability to identify or connect with others’ feelings and needs
• Feeling envious of others and believing that others envy them
• Difficulty with mood regulation, especially if they feel criticized

What Is a Sociopath?

Sociopathy describes individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Sociopaths continuously disregard and violate the rights and feelings of others. Often, these individuals use manipulation tactics and antisocial behavior to meet their needs.^1,5,6

Signs of a sociopath include:

• Inability to meet social norms
• Continuously engaging in illegal behaviors,
• Using manipulation and lying to meet personal needs and wants
• Lack of remorse for their behaviors and any impact they have caused
• Displaying failure to plan for the future and impulsive behaviors
• Irritable mood
• Verbal or physical aggression
• Reckless behavior and disregard for safety
• Continuous irresponsibility and inconsistency in daily expectations

Narcissist Vs. Sociopath: What Is the Difference?

There are fundamental differences between a sociopath and a narcissist, including how and why they treat others the way they do. Understanding the distinct behaviors associated with NPD and ASPD can help you recognize a narcissist or sociopath when you encounter one.

Below are some key differences between a narcissist and a sociopath:

Motivation for Behaviors

The main difference between narcissists and sociopaths is the motivation for their behaviors. Narcissists have a larger-than-life self-perspective and often present an exaggerated, brilliant version of themselves. However, their behaviors—such as praising themselves or exaggerating their talent—are driven by their desire to be admired and recognized.^1,3,4

On the other hand, sociopaths tend to be motivated by specific goals and interests and do not require ego fulfillment. They are only interested in fulfilling their appetites by any means necessary, regardless of the harm this may cause.^1,5

Level of Empathy

Both narcissists and sociopaths lack empathy, but the level at which they relate to others differs. While narcissists do not typically feel remorse, they can experience inconsistent and low levels of empathy. “Empathy” for narcissists is usually tied to achieving personal gain. For example, they may pretend to care about a situation or person to receive attention or praise. In stark contrast, sociopaths are incapable of empathy or remorse. They will hurt or manipulate people purely for fun.

Need for Admiration

For narcissists, the expectation to be praised and admired is influenced by needing to be “special,” and fulfill their ego. Narcissists will often see others as below them, regardless of the input these people have to offer. As a result, they can come off as shallow, cut-throat, and self-centered while trying to achieve an ego bolstered by esteem and “VIP” treatment.

Sociopaths do not require this admiration to meet their goals and treat people as expendable. However, they can also be incredibly manipulative and charming. They will exploit and flatter others to achieve their goals before callously walking away. In addition, sociopaths do not care how harming others affects their reputation.^1,2

Need for Reputation & Image of Success

Narcissists believe wholeheartedly that they are superior to others and often struggle to support and maintain this “special” status. They work hard to preserve their successful, reputable status, even if their efforts hurt people. As explained earlier, sociopaths care little about their reputation and the perception of others. Their primary goal is self-fulfillment.

Following Social Norms & Laws

Sociopaths will nonchalantly break laws and social norms to meet their goals and interests. As a result, sociopaths tend to have difficulties maintaining work obligations and may be frequently involved with the legal system.^1,2,6

Methods of Manipulation

Narcissists and sociopaths use manipulation techniques for different reasons. Narcissists solely seek admiration and an ego boost, but sociopaths manipulate and exploit others for pleasure. For example, narcissists often employ tactics such as love bombing to control partners. Sociopathic manipulation is typically more subtle, calculated, and cruel.

Interactions With Others

Another difference between narcissists and sociopaths is how they approach relationships. Sociopaths have antisocial tendencies that contribute to an inability to connect with others. They have no regard for people and do not care for relationships. Contrarily, narcissists also struggle to establish relationships but will seek social connections. Without these relationships, a narcissist cannot receive the attention they crave.

Similarities Between Narcissists & Sociopaths

While they may have different motivations, both narcissists and sociopaths share the ability to be charming, successful, and alluring. They also have the capability to be cut-throat, selfish, controlling, and engage in dishonest behavior toward people to achieve goals.¹

Similarly, both sociopaths and narcissists can exhibit successful personas and exaggerate their skills and achievements. Those with ASPD and NPD have difficulty acknowledging insight into their behavior and thinking.¹

Similarities between narcissism and sociopathy include:

• Decreased empathy: Narcissists and sociopaths experience decreased empathy. However, as noted earlier, narcissists may feel empathy to some capacity.
• Charismatic: Similar to narcissists, sociopaths are capable of using charm to attack others for personal gain.
• Lack of self-awareness: Those with ASPD or NPD fail to see how their actions and behaviors negatively impact others.
• Mood disorders: ASPD or NPD often co-occur with mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. This may be due to social isolation or feelings of shame (for NPD).
• Substance abuse: Narcissists may turn to substances to cope with the constant need to perform for others. On the other hand, sociopaths are more prone to risky and impulsive behavior, commonly resulting in substance use.
• Self-harm behaviors: Self-harm may be used to cope with anxiety or to gain attention from others.
• Suicidality: Both sociopaths and narcissists exhibit a heightened risk of suicidality.⁸

What Is a Narcissistic Sociopath?

Many may wonder, “Are narcissists sociopaths?” While narcissists can have sociopathic traits, this does not automatically indicate they experience ASPD. Narcissistic sociopaths or malignant narcissists exhibit symptoms of NPD and ASPD but may fail to meet the criteria for either diagnosis. A narcissistic sociopath may struggle with feelings of self-doubt, paranoia about outside influences, and emptiness. They can connect with some social groups, but this is often limited to people who support them regardless of their negative behaviors.⁷

Narcissistic sociopath traits may include:

• Grandiosity
• Fantasies of unlimited success or power
• The self-perspective of being “unique”
• A need for admiration
• An expectation of deserving and entitlement
• Exploiting people for personal gain
• Envy for others
• Fragile ego and difficulty with criticism
• Lacking empathy
• Exploiting others for interests

How Are Sociopathy & Narcissism Diagnosed?

Licensed therapists, psychiatrists, or psychologists will use multiple tools to diagnose NPD or ASPD. Typically, this process begins with assessing traits or issues that impair daily life. The physician may also provide personality assessment questionnaires for further information. A person may receive a diagnosis of either disorder if they meet the criteria.

Treatment for Sociopathy & Narcissism

Because narcissists and sociopaths lack insight into their conditions, they rarely attend or engage in mental health treatment. Still, while there is no cure for narcissism or sociopathy, these conditions can improve when a person is motivated to change and seeks treatment. Often, treatment consists of therapy and/or medication. Medication can help manage symptoms of co-occurring conditions, and a therapist can help clients target the root of these symptoms.

How to Deal With Narcissists & Sociopaths

Dealing with a narcissist or a sociopath can be overwhelming, especially if you have not dealt with this behavior before. Narcissists and sociopaths may financially, emotionally, or physically abuse those close to them, regardless of the relationship. As a victim of sociopathic or narcissistic abuse, you may struggle to make sense of their behavior or seek help for yourself. However, taking care of yourself and your safety should always come first.

Below are some tips for dealing with a narcissist or a sociopath:^5,6,7

• Set and maintain firm boundaries: A narcissist or a sociopath is likely to take advantage of any wiggle room you provide. After setting and establishing boundaries, you must follow through with them.
• Remain calm: Gently address any issues when you encounter conflict with a narcissist or sociopath. Narcissists have difficulty with criticism, so be mindful of how you approach an argument.
• Expect them to follow through: Demand follow-through when a narcissist or sociopath makes a promise. When dealing with a narcissist, feed into their ego by stating that everyone is relying on their commitment.
• Distance yourself: Allow yourself space and attention to work on your goals and needs. Do not get sucked into drama, abuse, or manipulation.
• Prioritize your safety: Monitor your safety risk and recognize when it is time to walk away (especially if you are dating a sociopath or a narcissist). Make a safety plan with your support system or an agency.

Final Thoughts

While narcissism and sociopathy share some similarities, how they are expressed, treated, and experienced differ. Both conditions are serious personality disorders and can be difficult to deal with.  However, remember that you are not alone in your struggle and there is always hope of a better future.