Difference between sociopath and borderline personality disorder
Sociopath vs Borderline Personality Disorder
Difference between Sociopathy and Borderline Personality Disorder
By Theydiffer - November 13, 2015
Both sociopathy and borderline personality disorder are serious mental illnesses manifesting themselves in aggressive, erratic or harmful behavior. Sociopathy and borderline personality disorder sometimes overlap, and a person suffering from both of them is called a borderline sociopath. However, the two disorders are distinctly different and we will discuss it further in this article.
Definitions
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Sociopathy is considered by modern psychotherapists to be a “milder “form of psychopathy. In general, a sociopath is defined as a person who doesn’t have any sense of what is right and what is wrong. Often endowed with high intellectual and creative skills, sociopaths tend to use these skills for committing harmful actions. Serial killers are often sociopaths, as they frequently admit that they see nothing wrong with what they are doing.
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Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness characterized by the disturbed sense of a person’s self and permanently unstable emotional condition. A borderline person has ever-changing moods and modes of behavior. Adult individuals with borderline personality disorder find it difficult to adapt in society, and interpersonal relationships may become impossible for them. For example, they cannot make friends or lovers easily. They tend to dramatize even simple matters connected to interpersonal relationships. They are drama kings and queens. Symptoms of borderline personality disorder include impulsivity, self-harmful behavior, a distorted sense of identity and persistent emotional spurts that cannot be controlled.
Comparison chart
| Sociopathy | Borderline Personality Disorder |
| A sociopath is emotionally detached | A borderline person cannot control emotions |
| Aggression is proactive | Aggression is mostly reactive |
| Sociopath lacks conscience and has questionable morality and ethics | A borderline person has a conscience and a normal set of morality and ethics |
| A sociopath is able to understand himself | A borderline person lacks self-understanding |
Sociopathy vs Borderline Personality Disorder
What is the difference between Sociopathy and Borderline Personality Disorder? Let’s compare them by how they connected with emotions, by vector of aggression, by the relation to conscience and by the ability of a diseased person to understand himself.
- Sociopaths are characterized by a complete lack of emotions and empathy. Individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder, on the other hand, are able to feel emotions deeply, to the point that emotions get to be overwhelming and go out of control. While sociopaths are always in the same mood, a borderline person’s moods are always changing. Emotions for a borderline person are intense and are easily triggered by rejection or negative criticism. One may compare an adult individual with borderline personality disorder with a child who is overwhelmed with too many emotions to handle.
- Sociopaths are aggressive towards the outside world. Borderline people wouldn’t consciously harm others. The aggression for them takes self-destructive forms. A lot of dangerous criminals, including serial killers are sociopaths. There are no suicide tendencies among sociopaths. A person with borderline personality disorder, on the other hand, would rather commit suicide than consciously harm someone else.
- Sociopaths cannot tell right from wrong. Moral and ethics do not exist for them. They do not see anything wrong in their harmful behavior. Persons with borderline personality disorder, on the other hand, have common moral and ethical standards and are able to sense what they are doing; they just cannot control their own actions.
- Sociopaths are able to understand themselves and their motives. What they cannot understand is the emotions of other people and the impact of their actions on the feelings of others. Sociopaths do not ever “feel” they “hurt” someone else emotionally, yet they “know” that they do. People with borderline personality disorder, on the other hand, are perceptive as far as feelings are concerned, but due to the alterations in certain cortex regions of the brain, the interpretation of their and other persons’ motives is shifted, making it hard to understand and control their behavior.
Whats the difference between a narcissist, sociopath, and borderline?
People often wonder about the differences between borderline, narcissist, and antisocial personality disorders – the Cluster B personality disorders.
It is helpful to realize that personality disorders exist on a continuum, and also that the following three personality types can all exist in one individual and at different degrees of intensity. That is to say, personality disorders are not mutually exclusive.
In addition to this, all personality disorders contain elements of narcissism; in particular, are the traits of limited insight and empathy.
Keep in mind, that no matter what the diagnosis, every person is unique regardless of his or her mental and emotional condition. The following traits are based on the perspective of those involved in relationships with personality disordered individuals.
I hope this table is helpful for distinguishing the differences between the three disorders.
| Narcissist | Borderline | Antisocial |
Lacks empathy
| Acts like (s)he has empathy | Devoid of empathy completely |
|
|
|
Has five primary personalities:
| Has many different personalities, here are some examples:
| Has the following personalities:
|
Has the following primary characteristics:
| Has the following primary characteristics:
| Has the following primary characteristics:
|
How relationships are viewed:
| How relationships are viewed:
| How relationships are viewed:
|
| Childhood: Poor attachment with primary caregivers in childhood; might have been given everything, such as in the case of a spoiled child, yet was not attended to emotionally. | Childhood: Extremely chaotic childhood; abandonment from mother and/or father; learned to manipulate and seduce rather than have a healthy interpersonal connection. | Childhood: Often experienced early infant attachment trauma/ abandonment and/or severe child abuse and neglect. An alarmingly-disproportionate number are adoptees, signifying early childhood attachment trauma. |
Sociopath vs. Borderline Personality Disorder - The Difference Between - Life
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Author: Randy Alexander
Created: 3 April 2021
Renewal date: 1 February 2023
Video: BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER (BPD) - Symptoms and DiagnosisContents
- Definitions
- Comparison Chart
- Sociopathy vs. Borderline Personality Disorder
Sociopathy and borderline personality disorder are both serious mental illnesses that manifest as aggressive, erratic, or harmful behavior.
Sociopathy and borderline personality disorder sometimes overlap, and a person who suffers from both is called a borderline sociopath. However, the two disorders are completely different and we will discuss this later in this article.
Definitions
Sociopathy is considered by modern psychotherapists to be a "milder" form of psychopathy. In general, a sociopath is defined as a person who has no idea what is right and what is wrong. Often endowed with high intellectual and creative abilities, sociopaths tend to use these skills to commit harmful acts. Serial killers are often sociopaths as they often admit that they see nothing wrong with what they are doing. nine0003
Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness characterized by impaired well-being and constantly unstable emotional state. The borderline person is constantly changing moods and behaviors. Adults with borderline personality disorder find it difficult to adapt to society, and interpersonal relationships may become impossible for them.
For example, they cannot easily make friends or lovers. They tend to dramatize even simple matters related to interpersonal relationships. They are drama kings and queens. Symptoms of borderline personality disorder include impulsivity, self-injurious behavior, a distorted sense of identity, and constant emotional outbursts that cannot be controlled. nine0048
Sociopathy versus borderline personality disorder
What is the difference between sociopathy and borderline personality disorder? Let's compare them by how they are connected with emotions, by the vector of aggression, in relation to conscience and by the ability of a sick person to understand himself.
- Sociopaths are characterized by a complete lack of emotions and empathy. On the other hand, people with borderline personality disorder are able to feel emotions deeply to the point where the emotions become overwhelming and out of control.
Although sociopaths are always in the same mood, the mood of the borderline person is constantly changing. The borderline's emotions are strong and easily triggered by rejection or negative criticism. You can compare an adult with borderline personality disorder to a child who is overwhelmed with emotions that cannot be dealt with. nine0018 - Sociopaths are aggressive towards the outside world. Borderline people will not knowingly harm others. Aggression for them takes self-destructive forms. Many dangerous criminals, including serial killers, are sociopaths. There are no suicidal tendencies among sociopaths. On the other hand, a person with borderline personality disorder would rather commit suicide than knowingly harm someone else.
- Sociopaths can't tell good from bad. For them there is no morality and ethics. They see nothing wrong with their harmful behavior. On the other hand, people with borderline personality disorder share common moral and ethical standards and are able to feel what they are doing; they just can't control their actions.
nine0018 - Sociopaths are able to understand themselves and their motives. What they cannot understand is the emotions of other people and the impact of their actions on the feelings of others. Sociopaths never "feel" that they are "hurting" someone emotionally, but they "know" what they are doing. On the other hand, people with borderline personality disorder are receptive when it comes to feelings, but due to changes in certain areas of the cerebral cortex, the interpretation of their and other people's motives changes, making it difficult to understand and control their behavior. nine0018
Sociopathic Disorder - Symptoms, Causes, Stages
There is a misconception that the diagnosis "sociopathy" was specifically invented to justify murderers, rapists and other antisocial elements of society.
However, psychiatrists argue that this is far from the case. People with this disorder already from early childhood have behavioral problems, an antisocial lifestyle is formed, which ultimately leads to participation in criminal activities and serving sentences in places of deprivation of liberty.
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Definition of disease - sociopathic disorder
Sociopathic disorder is a particularly complex type of personality disorder characterized by impulsive, aggressive, irresponsible, and often criminal behavior.
People with sociopathic personality disorder are manipulative, disrespectful, deceitful and reckless, and do not care about the feelings of others. They do not follow socially accepted norms or rules, they can easily break the law, cause physical or moral harm to other people, and refuse to take responsibility for their actions. nine0003
Sociopaths never experience guilt or remorse, often becoming members or leaders of criminal gangs and banned organizations.
Sociopathic personality disorder is especially common among certain segments of the population, such as prison inmates, alcoholics, drug addicts, and persons who have committed violent acts.
Previously, the terms "sociopathic personality disorder", "sociopathy", "psychopathy" were used to define this disorder.
Today, according to the international classification of diseases of the 10th revision, this disease is referred to as "dissocial personality disorder" (ICD-10 F60.2). nine0003
The severity of the illness can range from occasional misbehavior to repeated breaking of the law and serious crimes.
Sociopathic personality disorder is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women. Research shows that the symptoms of sociopathy are most pronounced between the ages of 24 and 44 and then tend to subside.
Symptoms of a sociopathic disorder
Signs of a sociopathic disorder usually begin to appear in early adolescence. Until the age of 18, this condition is diagnosed as a conduct disorder. Children with conduct disorder may lie, steal, ignore rules, or bully other children. nine0003
Sometimes parents or healthcare professionals do not notice the signs of this disorder. After all, they can coincide with other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression.
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by the following manifestations:
- physical and psychological aggressiveness;
- recklessness;
- irresponsibility;
- indifference;
- selfishness; nine0017 violent tendencies, cruelty;
- hypocrisy, deceit;
- violation of the law and the rights of other people;
- riskiness in deeds and actions;
- conflict;
- promiscuity;
- tendency to manipulate people and deceive;
- lack of regret and repentance for committed actions;
- disregard for social norms;
- difficulties in building long-term social relationships; nine0018
- lack of control over one's emotions;
- tendency to blame others for one's problems.
A person with sociopathic personality disorder is bound to have a history of childhood conduct disorders such as truancy, delinquency (such as crime or substance abuse), and other destructive behaviors.
Causes of the disease
So what causes antisocial personality disorder? nine0003
There is no specific answer to the question of what causes antisocial personality disorder, just as there is no single cause of sociopathic personality disorder.
Psychiatrists identify the following risk factors for the development of this disease in humans:
- genetic predisposition. It is believed that almost all mental illnesses can be inherited. If one of the next of kin suffers from antisocial personality disorder, the likelihood of its occurrence in a child is quite high. nine0018
- Biochemical factors. Sociopaths have impaired biogenic amine metabolism, especially decreased levels of serotonin (a chemical in the brain that regulates mood and happiness).
- Environment, upbringing. Psychological trauma or abuse in early childhood increases the risk of developing antisocial personality disorder later in life.
- Lifestyle. About half of people with this disease are addicted to alcohol and drugs. nine0018
- Comorbid psychiatric disorders (such as schizophrenia).
The pathogenesis of sociopathic personality disorder is not fully understood.
Studies have found that people with antisocial personality disorder have low levels of anxiety. As a result, the sociopath calmly violates the norms of modern society, without feeling remorse and anxiety.
It is also believed that people suffering from this disease have high releases of adrenaline into the blood as a result of insufficient production of catecholamines. Because of this, disturbances occur in the physiological work of the whole organism, a person becomes irritable, aggressive. nine0003
In addition, studies have found that sociopaths often respond to warnings or anticipation of stress with low brain arousal (eg, slow autonomic arousal and low-frequency EEG waves).
Due to low arousal, these people may find it difficult to catch threatening or emotional situations. It is also possible that little physiological arousal causes patients to take risks and seek adventure. Anti-social activity may attract them precisely because it satisfies the need for more arousal. nine0003
Stages and classification of the disease
Psychiatrists do not distinguish specific stages of sociopathic personality disorder. However, during this disease there is a certain pattern.
Sociopaths from childhood are distinguished by bad behavior, hostility, stubbornness, aggressiveness and cruelty towards animals.
Over time, at school and adolescence, they begin to conflict with their parents, skip classes, arrange fights, set fires, abuse alcohol, and run away from home. In adulthood, sociopaths are prone to theft, vagrancy, illegal actions, violence, parasitism. Often these people end up in prisons. nine0003
There are the following types of sociopathic disorders:
- Latent or passive sociopaths.
They are characterized by the fact that most of the time they restrain themselves and behave quite decently. They are taciturn and aware that they can be punished for committing offenses. But if provoked, they will immediately show all their sociopathic personality traits. - Active sociopaths. They cannot be restrained either externally or internally. They are distinguished by aggressiveness, conflict, a tendency to fights and showdowns. nine0018
Complications of sociopathy
Criminal behavior is a key feature of antisocial personality disorder, so there is a high risk that a person with this disorder will commit a crime and end up behind bars at some point in their life.
It has also been found that people with this disease are 3-5 times more likely to suffer from the consequences of a sociopathic disorder such as alcohol and drug abuse. They also have an increased risk of premature death as a result of reckless behavior or suicide attempts.
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People with sociopathic personality disorder are also more likely to have relationship problems as adults and be unemployed or homeless.
If you notice that someone you know or is close to has any of the following symptoms of antisocial personality disorder, seek immediate medical attention:
- abrupt mood changes;
- causing harm to oneself and others; nine0018
- suicidal thoughts;
- violent behavior.
The disease is difficult to treat and the sooner treatment is started, the better the prognosis of the disease.
Diagnosis of the disease
The psychiatrist examines the patient, conducts a conversation with him and his relatives, collects a complete anamnesis.
A diagnosis of sociopathic personality disorder can only be made by a psychiatrist if the person is 18 years of age or older and meets at least 3 of the following behavioral criteria: nine0003
- repeated violation of the law;
- deceitfulness, deceit;
- impulsiveness;
- irritability and aggressiveness;
- reckless disregard for one's own safety or the safety of others;
- irresponsibility;
- lack of remorse for bad deeds.
All of these signs are part of a person's daily personality and behavior, and not a manifestation of a schizophrenic or manic episode. nine0003
Such behavior becomes especially extreme and difficult in late adolescence and at the age of 20 years.
Some disorders can mimic antisocial personality disorder, so it is important that the treating physician makes an accurate diagnosis. Differential diagnosis of sociopathic personality disorder should be carried out with the following diseases:
- borderline personality disorder, unstable mood and manipulative behavior; nine0018
- narcissistic personality disorder or inflated sense of self-importance;
- Substance abuse, addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Treatment for antisocial personality disorder
In the past, sociopathic personality disorder was considered a lifelong diagnosis, beyond control and treatment. Now the opinion of psychiatrists has changed significantly.
Evidence suggests that with timely therapy, improvements in the patient's social behavior can be achieved, even if underlying characteristics such as lack of empathy still persist. nine0003
The recommended treatment for a person with antisocial personality disorder will depend on the circumstances and factors such as age, history of delinquency, and the presence of any comorbid problems (eg, alcohol or drug abuse).
There is no definitive cure for a sociopathic disorder. However, treatments such as drug therapy or psychotherapy can help control the patient's behavior. nine0003
Medications help sociopaths cope with aggression, depression, or unstable moods. In this case, the attending physician can use:
- antidepressants that regulate the level of serotonin in the brain;
- antipsychotics that control aggressive behavior;
- Mood stabilizers to help manage sudden changes in mood or behavior.
Another treatment for sociopathic personality disorder is psychotherapy.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change the way a person thinks and behaves. Therapy for antisocial disorder helps people think about how their behavior affects others. Some sociopaths may benefit from individual therapy, while others may benefit from group or family therapy. The recommended duration of treatment is 18 months, as the person should have enough time to make changes in their behavior and learn how to put new skills into practice. nine0003
In severe and rare cases, with the ineffectiveness of the described methods of treating sociopathy, by decision of the council, electroconvulsive therapy can be used.
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Prevention and recommendations for illness
There is no one right way to prevent sociopathic personality disorder. But if a conduct disorder is detected in a person in early childhood, then timely therapy can help prevent the development of sociopathy in adulthood. nine0003
General recommendations for the prevention of sociopathy include the following recommendations:
- refusal to use alcoholic beverages and drugs;
- stress management, use of relaxation techniques;
- education of the child's personality in a family with a healthy psychological environment;
- compliance with the regime of work and rest, good sleep.
