The difference between a sociopath and a narcissist

[dawnd]

There's been much discussion of narcissists and sociopaths in some of the circles I run in recently.  This article --
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/13/sociopath-signs-is-your-e_n_3181512.html -- describes the difference between them succinctly and well:

So what's the difference between the two? A narcissist needs to be validated by others

Comments

[dawnd]

I'm glad you found it so. :)

[polydad]

Good stuff, and thank you. One thing the author neglects to mention is that 'sociopath' and 'narcissist' do not between them make up a comprehensive diagnostic space for malevolent crazy people. I haven't done thorough research here; I'm not sure such a space exists. But I have dealt with people who have some *elements* of both sociopathy and narcissism without precisely fitting either diagnosis.

[dawnd]

Absolutely. Most "crazy people" have more than one axis on which they are "not normal," and these interact in interesting ways. In fact, most "normal" people have ways in which they are not normal, and which interact. All of these things are on scales, not yes/no states, and most of us are a little bit crazy in one way or another. ;)

That said, I found this to be a good rule of thumb, and an excellent first approximation of how to address each type effectively. Glad you found it interesting.

[who_is_she]

Thank you for this post and for the links and for your succinct definition.

I was recently talking with someone who was telling me that they felt a person that they were in relationship with was not really a narcissist but they just had elements of narcissism. I guess there's a difference there but either way it means that you're dealing with that challenge in general.

I agree that these terms along with 'psychopath' are thrown around quite a bit without people really knowing what the definitions are.

[dawnd]

The thing is, we're ALL a bit narcissistic at times -- and that's healthy. What isn't healthy is when it goes to extremes. So yes, it's quite possible that,like your friend's partner, someone can be "slightly unhealthily narcissistic." Whatever the source, those behaviors can be annoying, or worse!