NARCISSIST, SOCIOPATH, OR PSYCHOPATH?: HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE DISTINCTIONS

As you learn more about narcissism, you may uncover a distinct lack of conscience in some. You wonder, "Am I dealing with a sociopath, or worse? Psychotherapist Dr. Les Carter explains commonalities and distinctions regarding narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths.

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Dr. Les Carter is a best selling author and therapist who lives in Dallas, Tx. Over the past 39 years he has conducted many workshops and over 60,000 counseling sessions.

[eyelyneasson]

I needed this info when I was twenty. Survived anyway and now am 80. amazing. this information shoulf be tsught by 7th grade.

[charlotteschaefers]

When my son died suddenly twenty years ago, I called my mother to tell her and she said, ”well, we never saw him that much anyway.” Never mind that she saw him several times every week. When my dad was dying in hospice, she denied him pain medication, telling the nurses he wasn’t any fun when he was, “All doped up.” The doctor who was head of hospice pulled me aside and told me and my sister my mother was a sociopath. I found your YouTube channel today. Already it’s very helpful.

[cbloomfield]

And narcissists don't miss you when you're gone, but only miss what you've done for them - and even then, only one or two things. I don't believe there's any sense of gratitude or appreciation in a narcissist.

[Adnezal]

I was with a narcissist for 10 years and it’s, of course, my fault for choosing to stay for so long, but I can’t tell you how true all of these things are. My guy was a level 10 narcissist but No One other than me knew who he truly is. Everyone thought the world of him and respected him. I lost a decade of my young life because of his twisted games. I am finally free.

[Georgeanne]

The frightening thing is that these individuals are growing more in our society. They are in our schools, families and work. They will harm. Run. Do not engage with these individuals. They will destroy your life.

[lucygoose]

This ***needs*** to be taught to middle school students. And then again when they're high school students. STOP the cycles! STOP the evil!

[sydneyrogers]

My mother was a diagnosed psychopath. I'm 66 and have suffered all my life with depression and no self esteem. Still in therapy but there's no way out after all these years. My life has been wasted. She should never have had children. It's been a life sentence for me.

[dawnbailey]

"You will be harmed ". I've watched this one before and those words go right through me. They're ominous and true. It seems narcissists can slide back and forth on the spectrum. Frightening. They dwell amongst us. Some of us have up close and personal experience. Take Dr. C. at his word. They are dangerous. "You will be harmed ".

[vdoniel]

I wish I had understood these things decades ago. I hope young people who see this will take heed.

[hisnewlife]

They lie to your face, without even a blink.

[ThereszaHealed]

Love yourself enough to run the other way. They will not change.

[suekellar]

I wish I had of known about these different types years ago. I could have saved myself a lot of grief. And waisted years on hoping they would change.

[redbirdlove]

The manipulation by itself could kill you. The stress wears on an actual loving God fearing person.

[terridavis-cole]

I learned a lot listening to explain the differences. My ex is narcissist and I didn’t know this until after I married him. He loved to make me doubt myself. He would call me crazy and say @ I didn’t tell you that!”. I felt like he was trying to make me have a nervous breakdown. He was so cruel. But I was not as weak as he tried to make me think I was. I got so tired of his crap and started speaking up. He hated that. I am divorced now and my life is so much better. So glad I got away! So glad.

[Sunshine]

My ex husband sounds like all three. It's hard to face the fact that I crawled out of that relationship barely functioning. I still struggle but am making slow progress. I was an esteemed professional. I left with nothing. I had no idea what he was doing behind my back. He put on a good show.

[amanitamuscaria]

I married a psychopath, having been brought up by narc parents. I did get away, but literally had to run. And then i had the fight of my life for years, for our children. He's now in his 80's and recently had a stroke. I would never wish anyone it's hard not to with him. Vile, evil, nasty, dangerous man.

[mamab]

I'm with a Sociopath and am working through the grieving process in realizing that they aren't going to change.

[mamashanshan]

I just will never understand how ones cannot care, have remorse, continually hurt and harm others. I’m an empathetic human, I’m learning how me and my granddaughters have been manipulated. My oldest had to cut her mom off, this is so sad. It can be such a traumatic situation. Causes PTSD, also, no bouncing. We’re working on this. Thank you so much for teaching so I can share and to many comments that have helped. Many blessings to many.

[avril.]

It is important, as we learn in psychology, to not confuse warning signs with truth. Look for patterns of continued behavior.
Somebody having a bad day doesn’t necessarily mean the person lacks empathy. Or If someone doesn’t agree to a rule, it doesn’t mean they break almost every rule. Be careful labeling, but trust your gut regarding associations.
Manipulating and lying is a key trait in any of these categories. None of these types will do an act of generosity unselfishly.

[jaredawishton]

Discernment is the key! Lord increase our Discernment so we can recognize these predators a mile away and won’t be caught off guard!