The definition of sociopath and psychopath is often not clear in everyday language use, as the terms are occasionally used interchangeably even by criminologists and psychologists. Sociopathy and psychopathy share many common characteristics, but differ fundamentally in the following.

 

 

Similarities between sociopath and psychopath

 

Disregard of legal and social regulations

Disregard for the rights of their fellow human beings

The inability to feel remorse and guilt

A tendency towards violent behaviour and emotional outbursts

 

Characteristics of a sociopath

 

Sociopaths tend to be very easily irritable and nervous. They are volatile and often throw tantrums and other strong emotional fits. As they are often unable to hold down a job in the long term, they often live on the fringes of society with little income. 

Even if it is difficult for a sociopath, he can still form friendships with other people. This usually involves joining a person or group whose opinion one shares and with complete disregard for social norms. 

A sociopath appears disturbed and haphazard to those around him; crimes he commits are usually random and spontaneous.

 

Characteristics of a psychopath

 

Psychopaths, unlike sociopaths, are unable to build relationships with other people. They do not feel any empathy for their fellow human beings, even though they often outwardly demonstrate a charming personality. Psychopaths manipulate other people and thus gain their trust. They learn to believably act out feelings they do not feel, which is why they appear "normal". Many psychopaths can get so caught up in their role as a normal person that they have families and long-standing friendships without the latter knowing their true personality.

They are able to doggedly follow a goal and thus usually enjoy a good education and a stable job. 

When a psychopath commits a crime, it seems carefully planned. When planning ahead, they are cool, superior and pedantic.

 

 

How sociopathy and psychopathy develop

 

The cause of psychopathy is completely different from that of sociopathy. Psychopaths are a result of their genes, while sociopaths are made so by external circumstances. Psychopathy is a kind of defect in the brain in which the part of the brain that controls impulses and feelings is underdeveloped. In contrast, a "normal" person develops into a sociopath through childhood trauma or physical or emotional abuse. Because sociopathy is learned, whereas psychopathy is innate, sociopaths are able to feel compassion in certain situations.