What is the Difference Between Sociopathy and Psychopathy?

This video explains the difference between sociopathy and psychopathy. Both descriptors refer to antisocial personality disorder, but represent distinct patterns of behavior and etiology. Generally, a person suffering from sociopathy is thought to have developed the disorder as a result of a stressor, such as trauma. Genetics are thought to be responsible for psychopathy. Both are associated with criminality, however sociopathy is associated with impulsive criminal acts whereas psychopathy is associated with planned crimes. Meaningful relationships are difficult to form with psychopathy, but slightly easier to form with sociopathy.

[specialtwice]

Here is how I see the difference:

Sociopath: usually made by trama (can be born too), can struggle to keep a job/financial obligations, has anger issues (kicking, punching, hitting, throwing, etc), impulsive and will have a "fly by the seat of their pants" attitude and not care about rules or other people (they will do whatever they want whenever they want and worry about the consequences later, like stealing), does not care about other people's feelings or emotions however they can feel empathy for certain people, will con and cheat on spouses without thinking of the consequence or even really care (they need instant gratification and only think about what they have done afterwards).

Think of a jeans and t-shirt kind of man who is angry a lot and doesn't like following rules and does whatever he wants.

Psychopath: born that way and cannot change, is good at blending in with society and usually follows social norms, usually can keep a job and a well paying one too, does not show much emotion or get overcome with their emotions (if they feel angry it will show for a second before being calm and normal), is usually not impulsive in an obvious way like the sociopath (it would be planned and only done if they know they could get away with it, most of the time they are better at following the rules of society. They do so because they know doing something like a sociopath would not benefit them), does not feel empathy or emotions towards anyone (they cannot care, at all), they will cheat but only if it benefits them somehow and is well planned out and only if they know they won't get caught.

Think of a man in a suit and tie, well controlled and put together, and is able to blend better into society.

[arumblue]

The most concise description I have found so far about the differences. Thank you.

[karok]

Dr Grande, you are amazing in clearly explaining differences- thank you for all your work you put into your videos.

[miac]

Thanks for breaking this down, so simple the way u say it.

[kikixiong]

The differences between these two terms are interesting, particularly the way in which most people group the two together even though there are very specific differences. Thank you for distinguishing the two terms so clearly!

[lunaticcowgirl]

I thought the terms were interchangeable. I learned something useful today. Thanks.

[shanejett]

This was a great short vid on the difference between sociopathy & psychopathy straight to the point, & accurate without wasting time & making a song & dance about it. Thanks.

[foxtailedcritter]

I like how you're direct and simple with this. All the other YouTube vids are gross and clickbaity. You on the other hand are good at this.

[GS-stns]

I know the terms are not interchangeable but I didn't know how. It sounds like the difference is more intellectual or unconscionable. My former sociopath would always say that he was using poor judgment. Poor judgment was his only excuse for anything. Now I think I know the difference, but the unspeakable, irreputable damage has already been done. I appreciate the information.

[rapunzelmane]

I think that sociopaths are born with the 'Hunter Gene', as Psychopaths are, but childhood abuse fuels their anger, which in turn makes them impulsive. I'd be interested to see a comparison of their brain scans.

[Tailionis]

Wow as a sociopath you are the first person to explain with great accuracy. Every other idiot gets us mixed up.

[timmythistle]

So would most serial killers be sociopaths and NOT psychopaths? Because most serial killers learn their bad behavior and nearly always have had bad up bringing and trauma when they were kids.

[caseyjones]

I suffer from antisocial personality disorder, I always just thought that I was a psychopath, until I received a formal diagnosis, I didn't know what antisocial personality disorder was until you laid it all out. I just thought the Dr. noticed I didn't like people much lol. but the key to self awareness and personal growth is a full understanding of you're entire psyche. considering my personal journey, and lack of knowledge. Thanks a bunch, loved the videos, very informative, super helpful.

[furiousape]

What if someone has the traumatic childhood of a sociopath, but is calm, cold and calculating like a psychopath?

[tastx]

I was married to a narcissist for 24 years and remained single for 12 years and didn’t date because it was wonderful to be free. I started to date and avoided those who had narcissistic traits but unfortunately I married someone who is a sociopath. His brother is a narcissist so didn’t recognize my husband’s personality, only that it differed. His uncontrolled anger is emotionally draining. One former neighbor who has remained a friend recently asked me if my husband was physically abusive because she and her husband believed that he was. I told her that he wasn’t but didn’t mention that emotional abuse exists and can be just as harmful. I have watched your videos on NPD and after my husband threw my electric chainsaw off our upper level deck because he hadn’t put it away and I found it rusted and the engine sitting in water. He refused to take responsibility for his carelessness, one of many instances and it’s my fault as I am controlling. He totaled my car, caused his own car’s engine to fail and need replacement because he never checked the oil and a week after we bought a vehicle, refuses to explain how the vehicle got dented and scratched on the hood, telling me it’s over and done so why does it matter. I sought out your videos to understand the disorder and how better to deal with it.

[itsmejoshua]

Thanks for all the help you have done for people. (Such as me) 🙌🏼♥️

[ryanstanley]

Do you think the trauma related to having OCD growing up could cause sociopathy?

Edit: Also, this is hands down the best Mental Health channel on YouTube. Thank you for making your videos. I know filming and editing can be a tedious task.

[oceanizlife]

I was trying to work out the difference the other day!
Couldn't find anything helpful on google.
Great video :)

[worryingislosers]

Yeah. I’m pretty sure I have it. I relate to an emotional range and description of a psychopath thought. I barely feel any emotions I used to have when I was younger. It’s like I just can’t feel it. Im pretty toned down now thought. I wouldn’t say im impulsive aggressive and depressed. I barely feel sadness anymore. But yeah I wasn’t always like that. I do not feel embarrassment, anxiety, sadness almost always.
I was probably more violent when I did in fact had bigger emotional rage. Like throwing a punch with tears in my eyes when was younger.
But I feel like my aggression faded because my emotions did.

[Scott-Parsons]

Dr. Grande is it possible for someone with factor 1 psychopathy to choose positive avenues instead of negative. Like instead of lying, telling the truth, or instead of manipulation for evil, manipulation for good? Like playing a game of life with everything and everyone around you for good instead of bad? Can they have the same traits but good instead of bad? Could they develop a religious belief that they strive to achieve for good as opposed to evil? I find your channel informative and I admire your work. Thank you.