Sociopaths do not feel empathy, compassion, or “warm” emotions. Their inability to bond does not stem from ill will but from a lack of ability. Sociopaths do not understand what it means to hurt another person and hurt only exists for them when they feel it themselves. Egocentric, they see themselves as beyond reproach, and they blame others for their failures.
How does a sociopath act?
It is said that only uncompromising people achieve success – in the case of sociopaths, this saying takes on a new meaning. Sociopaths often hold leadership positions because they “over dead bodies” pursue a specific goal, such as money, position or power. People are only a means or an obstacle to them on the way to their goal.
Experts believe that you should not engage in verbal arguments with a sociopath, but you should also not show that you are afraid of him. It is best to be unyielding, do your thing and not show fear. You cannot win with a sociopath.
Personality is shaped by genetics, environment, and home. Early trauma, emotional abuse, and toxic relationships can lead to the development of sociopathy. Children who grow up in an atmosphere of resentment, hostility, and rejection become resistant and harsh.
In the case of a high level of disorder, sociopaths behave unceremoniously even in a psychiatrist, often trying to manipulate the doctor. In the case of lesser disorders, patients can present themselves in an impeccable way, simulating other mental illnesses.
Diagnosis of sociopathy requires a thorough analysis of the patient’s life and personality tests. Unfortunately, no individual or group therapy brings results, because the sociopath does not want to change.. Read full message on
How to Spot a Narcissistic Sociopath
Is a Sociopathic Narcissist the Same Thing as a Narcissistic Sociopath?
The term narcissistic sociopath is used to describe someone who manipulates and harms others for their own personal gain. People who have aspects of both narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and antisocial personality disorder (APD) could be considered narcissistic sociopaths.
While there is no official diagnosis of “narcissistic sociopath,” the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) recognizes both NPD and APD. Narcissistic sociopaths are sometimes called sociopathic narcissists or sociopathic malignant narcissists.
Most people assume that others have the same moral code as themselves. We assume that others agree it is wrong to lie, steal, and manipulate others for our own gain. So, it can come as a shock when you cross paths with someone who shatters that perception.
How to Identify a Malignant Narcissist
Narcissistic sociopaths are not always easy to identify. Some people may show traits of a narcissistic sociopath. But only when these patterns of behavior are severe and interfere in their life and the lives of those around them that this person would potentially be considered to have a personality disorder.
Narcissitic Sociopath
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Diagnosing the Narcissistic Sociopath
In order to conclude that a person is a narcissistic sociopath (also referred to as a sociopathic narcissist), they must be diagnosed with aspects of both narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. These two personality disorders are both a part of the Cluster B group in the DSM-5-TR.
What Is a Personality Disorder?
A personality disorder generally refers to unhealthy and rigid thinking, and behavior patterns that impair social, work, and school functioning. Most people with personality disorders do not realize they have a problem and blame others for the issues they create themselves.
Criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic personality disorder is “a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts,” according to the DSM-5-TR.
Five or more of the following DSM-5-TR criteria need to be present for an official diagnosis.1
A grandiose sense of self-importance (i.e., exaggerates their achievements and abilities)
A preoccupation with the idea of gaining success, power, love, and physical attractiveness
A belief that they are special or high status and can only be understood by similar people or should only associate with those people (or institutions)
A need for excessive admiration
A sense of entitlement and expectation that others will comply or give them favorable treatment
Exploits other people for personal gain
Lacks empathy for others
Envies others or believes that other people envy them
Arrogant behaviors and attitudes
People with this disorder may monopolize conversations and look down on people whom they feel are inferior to them. They will take advantage of others to get what they want, no matter who gets hurt along the way.1
Individuals with NPD live with many negative outcomes of their personality disorder. They may have trouble handling criticism, stress, and change and quickly become impatient or angry if they don’t think they are being treated correctly. They have trouble regulating their behavior and emotions, feel easily slighted, and may have relationship problems.
People with NPD can become depressed if they fall short of what they feel is ideal. They may secretly feel insecure, vulnerable, and humiliated and have fragile self-esteem.2
Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder is “a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others,” according to the DSM-5-TR. An individual must show at least three of the following diagnostic criteria:1
Repeatedly failing to follow social norms resulting in grounds for arrest
Engaging in deceitful actions such as lying, using aliases, and not paying off debts
Impulsivity and lack of planning ahead
Irritability and aggressiveness that lead to physical altercations
Reckless lack of concern for the safety of other people
Chronic irresponsibility that leads to failure to maintain a job, finish school, or keep financial commitments
Lack of remorse about hurting other people
To be diagnosed with APD, the individual must be at least 18 years old and have had evidence of a conduct disorder by age 15.
Narcissistic Sociopath Causes
So what causes a person to become a narcissistic sociopath? While we don’t know the exact causes of NPD or APD, the environment, genetics, and neurobiology probably all play a role.
These disorders also tend to be more common in males than females and begin in the teenage/early adult years.
Some aspect of their upbringing, early environment, or even later stressors, combined with a genetic predisposition or biology, leads to a personality disorder.
Identifying a Narcissistic Sociopath
In order for someone to fall into this category, they would need to show several of the diagnostic criteria for both NPD and APD. Narcissism intensifies with qualities of APD (or sociopathy) to worsen outcomes.3
Some signs that a person might be a narcissistic sociopath include:
Power hungry: People with APD and NPD enjoy being in positions of power where they can control others.
Manipulative: People with this personality disorder will take advantage of others. They disdain people and think it’s okay to exploit and dispose of others in whatever way helps them get ahead. They may use tactics such as triangulation to manipulate others and increase their feelings of supremacy.
Non-empathetic: Narcissistic sociopaths lack empathy for other people’s feelings or suffering. Because of this, they have no problem hurting others without remorse or guilt.
Attention-seeking: They constantly seek love, attention, and adoration from others. Their narcissism leads to an inflated sense of self-importance. A sociopathic narcissist is cold and callous but will also seek the admiration of others (and will believe that they deserve it).
Abusive: In addition to abusing people for their selfish ends, a narcissistic sociopath will respond with hostility and aggression whenever their exaggerated importance is threatened or questioned.
While sociopaths don’t think about other people unless they can benefit them in some way (what can I get from them?), narcissists only think of others in terms of how they reflect back on the narcissist (do they make me look good?)
When you put these two qualities together, the result is a person on a quest for power and control, who uses the love and admiration of others as a tool to dominate and manipulate, and who goes about all of this thinking that it is their right and that they are justified. There will be no guilt, no apologies, and no remorse from the narcissistic sociopath.
Even if these behaviors cause significant problems for this person, they may find it very difficult to stop the problematic behaviors. After all, it’s all just a game, and the people are pawns. When the narcissistic sociopath gets tired of those people, or they no longer serve a useful role, they will cast them aside.
The Prototypical Narcissistic Sociopath
What would a prototypical narcissistic sociopath look like? While there are variations in the severity of symptoms, we can assemble a picture that will help you identify these people in real life.
Most likely, you’ve encountered these types of people in news reports. One study suggested that around 35% of the prison population has APD versus 0.2% to 3.3% of the general population.4 Or you might find these individuals climbing the corporate ladder (stepping on people as they go) or holding positions of power in government. A narcissistic sociopathic business owner might default on debts or misrepresent what the company is selling.
The scariest part is that people with this disorder are hard to spot. They may be polished, well-dressed, successful, and charming.
They may take part in charitable causes or activities, not because they care but because it makes them look good. In particular, people with these disorders who have money and privilege may be particularly hard to spot.
Some will be physically aggressive, while others may be harmful on an emotional level. Regardless of the harm that they do, these people believe they are exempt from the moral code that everyone else follows, which is what makes them so dangerous.
Traits Shared by Narcissists and Sociopaths
Both narcissists and sociopaths may be charismatic and charming, unreliable, controlling, selfish, and dishonest. They both feel entitled and deny responsibility for their actions. They usually lack empathy, emotional responsiveness, and insight into their personality disorder.
How Narcissists and Sociopaths Differ
The driving force behind the two disorders differs. The narcissist’s ego is always at stake, and this drives many of their behaviors.
On the other hand, sociopaths are always driven by their self-interest and take on whatever persona gets them ahead at the moment. Sociopaths are more like classic con artists, while narcissists are more like hurt children lashing out and faking superiority to hide inner pain.
Classic sociopaths are not trying to impress you to build up their own ego; rather, they will only try to impress you if it serves a purpose in their greater plan. They are less likely to brag than narcissists. Instead, the sociopath is more likely to bestow compliments on you and center the conversation around you to get you to like them (and to do what they want).
Sociopaths are more calculating, while narcissists are more reactive. Sociopaths might even apologize or put themselves down with false humility if it serves some greater purpose in the game they are playing.