Sociopath vs Psychopath: What's the Difference?

Sociopaths are often called psychopaths and vice versa but there are differences between a psychopath and a sociopath. Psychopaths, for example, are far more likely to get in trouble with the law while sociopaths are much more likely to blend in with society. And while sociopaths and psychopaths do share some traits, sociopathy (antisocial personality disorder) is generally considered less severe than psychopathy.

Here are 5 subtle differences between a sociopath and psychopath.

Article by: Sophie P.
Voice over by: Lily H.
Animation by: Rudi Okasiil-Henry - Instagram: no_named_nomad
Manager by: Erin B.
Editor by: Risha M.

Let us know what your thoughts are on this video and if there's anything you want to correct!

[Urmomisdele]

People: look at all these people claiming to be psychopaths
Me: *cant find a single comment like that*

[delsinrowe]

You should also make a video about the difference between sociopaths, psychopaths, and wannabe edgy teenagers.

[tjx]

my professor always told me

a psychopath will throw you out the window
while a
sociopath will convince you to jump out the window

[fandrus]

"Im not a psychopath, I'm a high functioning sociopath"
-Sherlock

[DrHouse]

Realistically, no true psychopath would make a comment about their disorder, unless they were proviing iinformation regarding the diagnosis in a relevant manner. As psychopaths tend not to participate in any activity that does not serve a purpose. For example; a psychopath usually will not go out of his/her way to destroy someone, regarless of what they did to them, unless doing so served a higher purpose, and/or doing so directly benifits them. Or if they deem it worth while. Since they do not have normal emotional responses they tend to consider such matters trivial and pointless. Furthermore, if someone stabbing them and "humiliating" them would, to some psychopaths not be a driving force to persue the person, they surely would not see any point in essntially bragging about and/or stating their condition on the internet. Considering psychopaths lack the need for reassurance from others and tend to extraordinarily cunning they would find absolutely no use in stating any information pertaining to them unless it was warranted. In conclusion, absolutely almost everyone posting about how their are psychopathic are a bunch of edge lords.

[Gary_Johnson]

Sociopath has a *soci*
Psychopath has *psych*

[ryangordon]

A Psychopath has no sense of right and wrong. A Sociopath has distorted views of right and wrong.

[gr]

Sociopath is *made*
Phsycopath is *born*

[TheInternetHobo]

Just to SIMPLY compare and contrast the two

Psychopathy = Mental disorder

Sociopathy = Personality disorder

[dadlmbs]

I'm not a psychopath!

I'm a highly functioning....


Edgy teenager.

[benjordanshapiropeterson]

A psycho or sociopath wouldnt be here, because they dont care. Unless they are cunning enough to study the nature of their own psychology to manipulate with higher efficiency. Lol

[alla]

I came here just to see all the self-diagnosing edgy teenagers in the comments. I'm glad I decided to, I've had a real laugh.

[greenguy]

Lets wait for the people who will self-diagnose as either psychopath or sociopath, because it's descriptions are "so fitting for them".

[Nvcturnal]

Cop: "Why did you shoot the unarmed customer blocking the door during your bank robbery?"

Sociopath: "He wasn't a cop. What right did he have to try and stop me? I don't like people who try to play hero."

Psychopath: "He was between me and the door."

The root word of Sociopath is social. In high functioning cases, almost every big decision they make is based on an outside force that either helped or hurt them. This outside force is usually another human being(s).
The root word of Psychopath is psych. The world is their own mind, and anything in the real world including human beings are just tools or blockages.
Both CAN be equally dangerous in high functioning cases. It's kinda one of those 'pick your poison' type situations tbh.

[yoXneo]

Like I said in the recent video: I differentiate psychopaths & sociopaths by comparing them to vampires or werewolves

Vampires have this chilling calm about them, they can't feel anxiety/embarrassment - Psychopath

Werewolves get triggered by the moon, in other words, Sociopaths are people who just get triggered by something and can't control their irritability or rage

[rxandroid]

"I'm not a psychopath, just a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research."
-Sherlock

[thekneecaludo]

Shane Dawson's series made me curious about the difference 😂

[Psychgo]

Hope everyone is doing well! Sociopathy and psychopathy are quite similar. One has to do with being born with the genes, while the other is more you're conditioned to become one. None the less, hope you enjoy! If there's any request for a new video topic, feel free to comment below. We're also looking for help adding CC to the videos.

[chroniquesJDR]

As a diagnosed sociopath it feels good to see a video that doesn’t show us as killers or madmen capable of anything.

It is true that in some measures it is difficult for me to feel certain things but I still remain a human person and that some people often forget...

[starsdrawnpastel]

I guess they both take their own paths