Psychopathy is a condition characterized by the absence of empathy and the blunting of other affective states. Callousness, detachment, and a lack of empathy enable psychopaths to be highly manipulative. Nevertheless, psychopathy is among the most difficult disorders to spot.
Psychopathy, Sociopathy, and Antisocial Personality Disorder
Individuals with antisocial personalities have distinct histories and combinations of traits—and their misbehavior can vary in nature and severity—so the terminology used to describe such people can get a little complicated. People often conflate the terms “psychopath” and “ sociopath ” or use both of them to describe those who flagrantly disregard moral rules.
While these terms are widely used in clinical and common language, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) uses neither “psychopath” nor “sociopath” as diagnostic terms. These descriptions are most closely represented in the DSM by a condition called antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).
The terms “psychopath” and “sociopath” are often used interchangeably, but a “sociopath” refers to a person with antisocial tendencies that are ascribed to social or environmental factors, whereas psychopathic traits are thought to be more innate. That said, both genetic and non-genetic causes likely play a role in shaping any person with antisocial traits.
Antisocial personality disorder overlaps with psychopathy, but is not the same condition . A person can meet the criteria for antisocial personality disorder—which focus largely on antisocial behaviors—without showing core traits associated with psychopathy. Psychopaths are thought to comprise just a fraction of people with antisocial personality disorder.
Explore More About Psychopathy
For a comprehensive understanding of psychopathy, read our complete guide: