- [Amanda] Hi, there, psych2goers.
Welcome back to another video.
Narcissism and sociopath are two terms
that are thrown around often.
You may even wonder what's the difference.
Both conditions come with a lot of stigma.
So to understand them better
we will be looking at the differences between them.
What is sociopathy?
What is commonly known as a sociopath is actually a person
with antisocial personality disorder, ASPD.
Sociopathy is not a medical term
and is most commonly referred to
by its associated condition.
People with ASPD tend to have frequent issues
following rules and laws,
have a lack of empathy towards others,
and act impulsively.
According to the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic,
some other signs of ASPD
include lack of remorse after hurting another person,
reckless behavior,
chaotic and abusive relationships,
manipulative behavior,
disrespect towards others,
substance abuse.
ASPD is considered a cluster B personality disorder,
meaning that the behavior is emotional,
unpredictable, and dramatic.
Approximately 1 to 4% of people in the US
are suspected to have this condition,
but it can be hard to tell
as people often go undiagnosed.
What is narcissism?
A narcissist is someone
with narcissistic personality disorder, NPD.
People with this condition
tend to think highly of themselves,
lack empathy for others,
and constantly seek praise.
According to both Cleveland and Mayo Clinics,
signs of NPD include grandiose sense of importance,
manipulative behavior,
viewing others as inferior,
feeling entitled,
arrogance, and will only associate with people
they feel are of high status.
Like ASPD, NPD is also a cluster B personality disorder.
And people often go undiagnosed
as they do not typically seek treatment.
Approximately 5% of the population
is believed to have this condition.
How are they similar?
Symptoms of NPD and ASPD do overlap in many ways.
People tend to lack empathy towards others
and may take advantage of people to serve their needs.
They can appear charming
and will use that trait to win others over.
In general, people with either condition
will tend to focus on themselves first
and use other people for their own gain.
Untreated, relationships with others
can be stormy and toxic.
(gentle music)
How are they different?
One of the biggest difference between the two conditions
is how people with NPD care highly
about how others view them,
whereas those with ASPD don't.
People with NPD may work harder to keep marriages and jobs,
as they're more dependent on their status
and need for approval.
On the other hand, people with ASPD
may leave anything once it no longer serves its purpose.
Overall, people with NPD
will work to keep gaining admiration,
whereas those with ASPD
will drift around to fulfill their needs.
How are they treated?
It's important to know that sufferers
of NPD or ASPD are still people.
They live with a condition
that causes much stress to themselves
and the people around them.
While many don't pursue any type of mental health treatment
or do so because they are forced,
both conditions have options for treatment.
Generally they will require mental health professionals
that have expertise in the specific disorder.
A combination of medication along with psychotherapy
are common to help manage symptoms of both disorders.
While NPD and ASPD do have their similarities,
they are different conditions
with different problems and treatments.
Remember to reach out
to a qualified mental health professional
if you're struggling.
Getting in touch with the right person
can be a great first step to improving your quality of life.
What are your thoughts on the topic?
What are some more similarities and differences?
What have you learned?
Let us know in the comments
and remember to share with someone who might benefit.
As always, the references and studies
are listed in the description below.
Thanks for watching.
Until next time.