Traits of a sociopathic narcissist
‘Narcissistic Sociopath:’ Symptoms and 5 Coping Strategies
Narcissism and sociopathy are separate psychological and behavioral characteristics, but sometimes they occur together.
If you have someone in your life who has traits of narcissism and sociopathy, they may be difficult to deal with.
They might appear to consider themselves more important than you, and they may not seem to understand or care about your feelings.
Their behavior may not be a choice they’re making. Instead, they may have a type of personality disorder that affects how they interact with other people.
There is no formal diagnosis of “narcissistic sociopath” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). This is the reference that clinicians use when they identify mental health conditions.
Instead, the words “narcissistic” and “sociopath” are associated with two personality disorders:
- “narcissistic” = narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
- “sociopath” = antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)
Personality disorders are conditions that feature unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. They’re named as such because they are the extremes of traits that most people have to some degree. These traits may be diagnosed as a disorder if they affect relationships or other people in a harmful way or to a greater degree than one would expect.
There are 10 personality disorders in total, grouped into 3 clusters. NPD and ASPD are in cluster B, or the “erratic and dramatic group.”
A person with sociopathic and narcissistic traits may not have any mental health diagnosis, or they may have NPD or ASPD, or both.
Narcissism is excessive self-interest and self-admiration. A person can have narcissistic traits without having NPD.
It’s when narcissism impacts many areas of life that it becomes diagnosable. The DSM-5 states that for an NPD diagnosis a person must exhibit at least five of nine symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder:
- exaggerated self-importance
- obsession with success and power
- belief in their own special status
- need for excessive admiration
- sense of entitlement
- exploitation of others to achieve success
- lack of empathy
- preoccupation with envy
- arrogance
Not all people with NPD act the same way.
There are several types of narcissism, the primary two being:
- overt (obvious)
- covert (hidden)
Overt NPD is what you might expect to find connected with narcissism. People with this subtype tend to be attention-seeking, charming, and arrogant. Meanwhile, people with covert NPD tend to be fragile, hypersensitive, and chronically envious of others.
A mental health professional makes personality disorder diagnoses. It’s more than just checking items off a list. It’s a thorough process that examines a person’s functioning over a long period of time and not just their present-day state.
Sociopathy refers to the characteristics of people with ASPD. In addition to one trait being over 18 years of age, an ASPD diagnosis requires at least three of the following:
- breaking the law
- being deceitful for fun or personal gain
- behaving impulsively
- acting aggressively
- disregarding safety
- ignoring responsibility
- having little or no remorse for hurting another person
There should also be a history of conduct disorder before 15 years of age, and antisocial behavior isn’t the result of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
“Sociopath” is a term some people use to describe those with ASPD. Many people confuse sociopathy with psychopathy, but they’re not quite the same.
‘Sociopath’ vs. ‘psychopath’
The terms “sociopath” and “psychopath” have different meanings, although people often use them interchangeably. While the word “sociopath” describes a person with ASPD, “psychopath” describes a person with particular characteristics rather than a specific diagnosis.
Both terms have traits in common as well as differences. For example, they can lead to law-breaking behavior, but in different ways. Sociopathy problematic behaviors are impulsive, whereas psychopathy misconduct is more calculated.
Some people with ASPD have characteristics of psychopathy, but not all. Researchers estimate that only one-third of people with ASPD also meet the criteria for having psychopathy.
NPD and ASPD are distinctly different conditions, but there are some similarities in shared characteristics.
A 2018 study featuring 2,149 participants who completed interview assessments of personality and psychological traits revealed a strong overlap between NPD and ASPD.
For example, both feature a lack of empathy. Also, a disregard for the feelings or needs of other people is a trait that’s both “narcissistic” and “sociopathic.”
A narcissistic ex may move on quickly and act cruelly to you right after a breakup, for instance.
People with either condition tend to be suspicious and find it hard to forgive. They may be shallow, inclined to exploit other people for their gain.
However, if the person has a criminal record, is physically aggressive, and has a history of getting in trouble in their youth, they’re more likely to have ASPD since these aren’t symptoms of NPD. Other “sociopathic” traits not usually shared by NPD include impulsive behavior and deceit.
People with NPD seek admiration much more than those with ASPD. Preoccupation with envy is another way to tell the two apart.
This is a narcissistic trait but not one that is sociopathic.
Dealing with narcissistic and sociopathic traits can be difficult, and sometimes people with NPD and ASPD are unlikely to engage in treatment.
More often, those affected by someone with NPD or ASPD are the ones seeking treatment for themselves. For example, they may experience anxiety or depression that results from being treated poorly.
Also, they may seek treatment to learn more about why they may be more likely to engage in relationships with people with narcissistic or sociopathic traits.
If you’re dealing with someone with narcissistic and sociopathic traits, these tips may help.
Empathy and insight
Understanding a little bit about the causes of NPD and ASPD can make it easier for you to cope if there’s someone in your life living with these issues.
It’s essential to remember that NPD and ASPD behaviors are not choices an individual makes. They’re not purposefully trying to hurt you.
Researchers believe that both genetics and environment contribute to personality disorders. For example, research from 2021 suggests that genetic factors may play a role in developing ASPD. Also, research from 2019 and 2020 indicates that childhood experiences may affect ASPD and NPD, respectively.
NPD and ASPD can stem from early childhood adverse events such as trauma caused by dysfunctional family relationships. Therefore, the narcissistic or sociopathic behaviors you see are not because of you. They were present long before you met.
To learn more
If you’d like to learn more about the possible causes of NPD and ASPD, consider reading our in-depth articles:
- Causes of NPD
- Causes of ASPD
Self-care
Prioritizing self-care is vital. A person with narcissistic or sociopathic tendencies probably isn’t capable of nurturing your emotional health.
But you can take care of this by making yourself a priority. Some ways in which you can support yourself could include:
- stress reduction activities
- hobbies
- healthy lifestyle practices
- connecting with friends and family
Self-advocacy
It’s necessary to stand up for yourself and your needs, but in a way that won’t cause more conflict.
A calm response and rational detachment can help you prevent a situation from escalating while you’re setting boundaries for yourself.
It may be wise to pick your battles in particular scenarios. Sometimes walking away from conflict is the best form of self-advocacy. If a situation is dysfunctional, you don’t have to participate.
Outside help
You may feel alone in your situation, but you’re not. Even if none of your friends share your experience, there are people you haven’t met yet who do.
Support groups, in-person and online, can connect you with other people in your situation.
A therapist may also help you handle any stress or anxiety you may be feeling. Taking care of your mental health is as important as managing your physical well-being.
People with narcissistic and sociopathic behaviors can be challenging to deal with. This is especially true if the person in your life is a spouse, family member, or someone in your household.
It helps to remember that the things they say and do are because their brains are wired differently than most people.
It’s not because you’ve done or said anything wrong. Their behaviors are not your fault.
Though the person in your life may never support your emotional or mental health, you can practice self-care and self-advocacy to have the better life you deserve.
Beware the Narcissistic Sociopath | HealthyPlace
Tanya J. Peterson
If a sociopath is someone who, because he is antisocial with no conscience, lies, manipulates and controls people any way he so desires, what is a narcissistic sociopath? The traits and behaviors of a sociopath are chilling enough on their own. Almost unbelievably, a narcissistic sociopath intensifies sociopathy and takes it to another level.
People are toys to the sociopath; to the sociopathic narcissist, they are trash. Sociopathy combined with narcissism can be extremely dangerous. Beware the narcissistic sociopath.
Officially, What is a Narcissistic Sociopath?
The American Psychiatric Association (2013) describes and defines both antisocial personality disorder (the clinical term for what is commonly called psychopathy or sociopathy) and narcissistic personality disorder in its authoritative Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
- Antisocial personality disorder is "a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15 years"
- Narcissistic personality disorder is "a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts.
Those are separate definitions of these personality disorders. It is possible to be clinically diagnosed with both simultaneously. Cold callousness and lack of empathy for others, plus grandiose self-admiration and disdain for others equal a sociopathic narcissist who believes that she deserves to exploit people and dispose of them when finished.
Narcissistic Sociopath is a Bad Combination
Sociopath and psychopath are words that commonly describe antisocial personality disorder. Sometimes they're used interchangeably, but some experts differentiate between the two.
Perhaps inserting narcissism into the mix might help people decide which term to use.
A sociopath doesn't care if he's benefitting anyone. Cold, calculating, and manipulative, he doesn't think about others at all unless they can benefit him.
A narcissist believes he's great, that everything about him is magnificent. He knows with unwavering confidence even beyond conceit that he's benefitting everyone around him and more (Narcissistic Personality Disorder Symptoms, Diagnosis.
In reading a wide variety of literature, patterns become evident. It appears that it is a combination of these personalities that constitutes a narcissistic sociopath. Further, it's the description of a narcissistic sociopath that is the common conceptualization of the psychopath.
Traits of a Narcissistic Sociopath
How do you spot a sociopathic narcissist? Watch for certain traits:
- A driven quest for power. If a narcissistic sociopath cares about anything other than himself, it is destructive power and control over people.
- Behaviors that seek love and admiration. To be sure, this isn't needy love. It's not even emotional love. It's superficial. A narcissistic sociopath sees love and admiration as power tools to manipulate and dominate (Do Sociopaths Even Have Feelings?).
- No apologies, no guilt, no remorse under any circumstance. A sociopathic narcissist believes that she is a gift to the world who makes it richer and more colorful. Therefore, her calculated, even cruel actions are always justified.
- Invincibility. The narcissistic variety of sociopath believes he is indomitable. Even punishment and prison can't stop him. They're merely part of the game.
- Wholly self-serving. The needs and wants of others are insignificant and undeserving of consideration.
- Act as the producer, director, and only actor of his own show. The narcissistic sociopath casts people in roles that increase his power and sense of importance and when bored, casts them aside.
M.E. Thomas is a self-proclaimed sociopath whose memoir (2013) screams narcissism throughout, writes matter-of-factly, "Ruining people is delicious."
Beware the narcissistic sociopath.
article references
APA Reference
Peterson, T. (2021, December 17). Beware the Narcissistic Sociopath, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2023, April 1 from https://www.healthyplace.com/personality-disorders/sociopath/beware-the-narcissistic-sociopath
Last Updated: January 28, 2022
Medically reviewed by Harry Croft, MD
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90,000 Psychopaths, sociopaths, narcissists - what's the difference?Narcissists and Psychopaths
First and foremost, every psychopath has narcissistic traits, but not every narcissist is a psychopath.
Many have narcissistic traits, but those diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder are characterized by a lack of empathy and a sense of their own grandiosity. And such people urgently need admiration from others.
Self-esteem of narcissists is lame: deep down they feel vulnerable, and therefore it is so important for them that the people around them were also insecure. Pulling the rest off the pedestal and rising against their background is their defensive tactic. When narcissists do something really bad, they wake up with faint echoes of shame and guilt, while the source of their shame is the opinion of others about them, the possibility of condemnation on their part.
And this is their serious difference from psychopaths - they do not happen to experience remorse. They don't care if anyone gets hurt, they don't care about the consequences of their own actions.
In addition, these people completely lack the ability to empathize, but they brilliantly manipulate others (and often seem very charming at the same time), use them to their advantage.
Cunning is their middle name.
Psychopaths and sociopaths
Psychopaths and sociopaths have much in common - both are diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. The key difference is that psychopaths are born, but sociopaths are made. The latter are at risk of becoming children from dysfunctional families and those who grew up in a criminogenic environment. They may not be as comfortable breaking the law and going against the rules as psychopaths, but they have lived in such an environment for too long and have begun to take these rules of the game for granted.
A psychopath builds a relationship by using the other solely for his own purposes - financial, sexual or any other. A sociopath, on the other hand, can form quite close ties, however, even in such relationships, he will behave coldly and aloofly. Sociopaths are more impulsive, it is easier to provoke a lively reaction in them.
Psychopaths are more cold-blooded and prudent, their nervous system generally reacts to stimuli differently than ours: for example, when we are frightened, our heart begins to beat furiously, the pupils dilate, sweat flows in a stream; we are preparing for a fight-or-flight response.
You won't even notice that a psychopath is scared. His brain functions differently, and it is still unknown what is more influenced here - genetics or environment.
Most of us tend to avoid things that make us nervous. Psychopaths don't get nervous at all and so they just keep doing what they want. By the way, it is likely that the desire to feel at least something, at least some echo of the arousal characteristic of other people, makes them try their hand at dangerous activities - including extreme sports and activities on the verge of the criminal code and common sense. meaning.
Why is it important for us to understand the difference between narcissists, psychopaths and sociopaths? First of all, in order not to treat everyone with the same brush, not to stick the same labels on different people. But, perhaps, it is much more important to learn to notice the signs described above in the people around you - firstly, in order to gently push them to seek professional help, and secondly, in order to be vigilant yourself and not suffer.
Narcissism - what it is, signs and causes of narcissistic personality disorder
Anna tells about who people with narcissism are, where it comes from and whether it is always necessary to break off relations with narcissists Crimean
Surely among your acquaintances there is someone about whom you thought “Yes, he is a typical narcissist”. Most likely, the description of this person will look like this: self-confident, ambitious, somewhat selfish. Possibly manipulative.
The term "narcissism" is heard everywhere: in psychological blogs, movies, Tiktok. There are articles and studies about him. But often in them this phenomenon is simplified and stigmatized. Who are narcissists, should they be avoided, and when can one speak of a narcissistic disorder?
What is narcissism
Psychologically, narcissism is an exaggerated view of one's contribution to society or a group, otherwise known as excessive narcissism or even self-centeredness.
This is not a monolithic concept, but a whole spectrum. To some extent, its features are present in many of us, this is normal and even useful in some ways. For example, people with a narcissistic temperament are often ambitious, take care of themselves and achieve great success in their careers.
Depending on how pronounced narcissistic tendencies are and whether they interfere with life, the spectrum of narcissism can be divided into four parts:
Character and accentuation are options for a healthy manifestation of narcissism, and personality disorder is already a psychiatric diagnosis.
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The extreme degree of the norm is the narcissistic accentuation of the personality. This means that the narcissistic qualities of character are so pronounced that in some cases they begin to interfere with a person's life.
They can affect his relationships with others or the professional sphere. However, their influence is not so serious as to diagnose a personality disorder. For example, they can lead to conflicts with superiors or prevent a person from sincerely opening up to another, removing the mask of ideality.
What qualities are considered narcissistic
Based on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, one of the most popular tools for identifying non-clinical cases of narcissism, the following qualities can be considered narcissistic:
- Demonstration. It is expressed in the idea of one's own unusualness, uniqueness, physical attractiveness and ability to influence others
- Authority. Confidence in possessing leadership qualities, the ability to influence others, power over people, the ability to succeed.
- Chosenness. The feeling of one's own peculiarity, the expectation of an exceptionally good attitude, respect, recognition of one's merits, submission to one's requirements and desires.
- Vanity. The desire to look good in the eyes of others, the need to confirm one's superiority, the desire to hear flattery from other people.
- Self-sufficiency. Confidence in one's independence from people in achieving results, competence, responsibility for making decisions, confidence in the correctness of one's actions, the ability to live in accordance with one's desires, the ability to become a great person.
- Excellence. Conviction in the extraordinary and uniqueness of one's personality, the presence of special achievements and talents, the deserving of appropriate recognition from others.
- Operation. Confidence in one's ability to use other people, the ease of manipulating others to achieve one's own goals, the ability to understand others well, influence their behavior, and convince of something.
Along with these traits, there are often such characteristics as increased sensitivity to shame, perfectionism, a feeling of inner emptiness and loneliness.
People with a narcissistic psychotype are demonized, attributing to them aggressiveness, lack of empathy, a tendency to violence
The traits listed above are manifestations of narcissism as a personality trait, that is, a norm. To be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, according to the American DSM-5 classification of diseases, in early adulthood, a person must exhibit five or more of the following characteristics of narcissism:
In Russia, however, since January 2022 it has become impossible to get a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, because our doctors do not follow the DSM-5, but the International Classification of Diseases from the World Health Organization. In the latest edition, the division into individual personality disorders was removed: now they look at whether a person has general signs of a personality disorder, the degree of their severity and specific manifestations. This will make the approach more comprehensive and personalized.
Is it worth it to label a person "narcissus"
There are two sides to the use of such labels.
They can be a guide, explain individual patterns in their own and others' behavior, feelings and thinking; can help you get the big picture. But they can also become a stigmatizing stigma, if you do not pay attention to the individual characteristics of a person. Unfortunately, in modern culture, this often happens and any people with a narcissistic psychotype are demonized, attributing to them aggressiveness, lack of empathy, a tendency to violence, and offering to avoid any contact with them. But this will not be true for every person with narcissistic traits. Because of such generalizations, even the expression "narcissist" itself has acquired a negative connotation, and its use is considered not entirely ethical.
In addition, in psychology there are many different classifications of narcissism that better convey the shades of this phenomenon than one term.
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What types of narcissism are distinguished by psychologists
Most often they talk about two types:
Grandiose.
Such a person wants to be the best. Faster, higher, stronger than all. Career, appearance, relationships - everything should be perfect. This characteristic fits well with the modern philosophy of success and achievement, so often this type achieves a lot in life. Grandiose narcissists can embellish reality to fit their ideal image if reality falls short. The self-esteem of such people is unstable: from the outside it may seem high or even inflated, but inside they often feel empty and dissatisfied.
Vulnerable. He is also hidden or thin-skinned. Clinical psychologist Paul Wink in his work "The Two Faces of Narcissism" described the mental portrait of representatives of this type as prone to introversion, submission, anxiety, vulnerability and always being on the defensive. However, like the grandiose type, they are vain, interested in others, impulsive, and often take risks.
While grandiose narcissists tend to exalt themselves in the eyes of others, vulnerable narcissists may appear to hate themselves.
In fact, this is the same idealization, but turned inside out. While grandiose narcissists tend to see themselves as the best, covert narcissists tend to see themselves as the worst, stupidest, most miserable. Keyword: most.
From the grandiose pole, a person with narcissism can fall into the other extreme: feel like a partner unworthy of love in principle
Some researchers believe that these types are not mutually exclusive, but can change depending on the circumstances of a person's life. For example, there was a successful period at work: a person exceeded KPI and received praise from his superiors. At this point, he will be inclined to idealize himself, to feel his own exclusivity and superiority, life will seem beautiful. A week later, the partner shares that some aspect of the relationship does not suit him. From the grandiose pole, a person with narcissism can fall into the other extreme: to feel like a disgusting partner, unworthy of love in principle.
And at the same time devalue all previous achievements. In this state, a person may impulsively propose a breakup or show aggression, trying to avoid corrosive shame.
And if the narcissistic disorder is accompanied by features of sociopathy (indifference, aggressiveness, disregard for social norms), one can speak of perverse narcissism. It is this type that is prone to emotional violence and even crime due to a lack of empathy. Perverted narcissists are people who prove their worth and value through the humiliation of others. It is extremely difficult for them to build a healthy relationship, as they are not able to empathize, lie, manipulate and overly control their partner. This type rarely turns to a psychotherapist, and it is difficult for him to stay in therapy.
Narcissism in men and women
Researchers at the Buffalo Institute analyzed studies of narcissistic personality disorder over the past 30 years and found that it is more common in men and manifests somewhat differently than in women.
First, men are more likely to exploit others and feel entitled to enjoy privileges. Secondly, they show more desire for power and leadership. But in the manifestations of vanity and egocentrism, there was no particular difference. Scientists suggest that such results may be the result of a certain gender socialization - that is, the attitudes broadcast by society about what men and women can and cannot be.
Because women are often criticized for being aggressive and authoritarian, they can suppress these narcissistic traits while men do not have to. But the authors note that this topic requires further study
Causes of narcissism
There are different concepts as to why people develop narcissism. The conducted studies have not proved an unambiguous connection with genetics, so the sociocultural concept remains the main one.
Representatives of psychoanalysis paid a special attention to the nature of narcissism. For example, Sigmund Freud and Heinz Kohut were of the opinion that at a certain stage in the development of a child, the emergence of narcissism is a natural and healthy phenomenon - this is called primary narcissism. In infancy, the child has no other needs than his own, and he does not have to make any effort to satisfy them. In fact, he is the center of his own universe. This is a normal developmental stage that everyone goes through.
However, certain circumstances can lead to secondary narcissism - that is, its unhealthy form. Such a circumstance could be a lack of parental love and acceptance. Moreover, the child did not necessarily encounter excessive severity, cruelty or indifference. It is quite possible that his parents, on the contrary, praised him for any reason and did not forbid anything.
Child idealization and permissiveness can also be perceived as dislike and cause secondary narcissism, according to Karen Horney. When only the positive side is seen in a child, ignoring the existence of negative traits, he feels unseen. As if they love not him, but some other person, an image. In both cases, the defensive reaction is the creation of an imaginary ideal "I", designed to deserve the love and attention of others.
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Psychoanalyst Andre Green considers another reason in his article "Dead Mother". He talks about a situation in which the mother was physically alive, but was emotionally unavailable and absent due to depression. For this reason, the child did not receive love, care, support in the proper amount. The researcher believed that the mother's depression becomes a trauma for the child, since the baby, up to a certain age, sees in himself the cause of everything that happens around him and, among other things, blames himself for his mother's condition.
Lack of communication and warmth leads to the fact that the child tries to "bring the mother back to life", changing behavior, attracting attention. Failures give rise to tremendous anxiety and a feeling of a bottomless hole inside. Over time, the baby begins to feel the emptiness, which he will later try to fill: with achievements, attention, other people. In this case, those around him can become his narcissistic extension - like an extension of his personality, an attribute to maintain status and high self-esteem. Other consequences are the replacement of emotions with reasoning, a tendency to depression, aggressiveness, the inability to let someone in, to accept and experience love, to build warm trusting relationships.
Narcissistic trauma
Trauma associated with the narcissistic part of the personality can occur not only in childhood.
According to Freud, a narcissistic injury is a situation in which the narcissist feels that his hidden true self has been discovered. Its imperfection is revealed. For example, if he faced failure or his authority was called into question. Narcissistic trauma can lead to depression or what is known as narcissistic rage, an attempt to regain control and avenge the pain.
Treatment of narcissism
Both narcissistic personality disorder and narcissism in the broadest sense are generally amenable to psychotherapy. It's not exactly a "treatment" in the medical sense of the word. Rather, the process of knowing, accepting and adapting to the characteristics of one's personality.
For therapy to be effective, the person must be interested in it. In many cases, the benefits of narcissistic character traits and the difficulty in recognizing one's own imperfection lead to the fact that a person is not too willing to change something in his life and turn to a psychotherapist.
And in a situation where we are talking simply about character traits that do not interfere with the person himself and do not harm others, the therapy of narcissism is, in principle, not needed.
If you feel bad in a relationship, then whether the person is a narcissist or not, it makes sense to think about parting. Working with the deep structures of personality requires a lot of effort and time. But at the same time, the very arrival of psychotherapy already has a positive effect. The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, acceptance, and recognition of the person in all of his manifestations, and this is exactly the kind of experience that people with narcissistic disorder or pronounced narcissism practically do not have.Together with the client, the therapist looks for points of support and support. The psychologist is able to endure regular cycles of idealization and devaluation, which allows the relationship to last.
Teaches the client to see himself, not to fall into one of the poles of adoration and hatred, to endure his fears, doubts, vulnerability, envy and a constant sense of shame. See the value of other people in isolation from himself and, if necessary, control his aggression.
Having received the experience of warm acceptance of different aspects of his personality in therapy, a person with narcissism learns to apply this experience in everyday life, to build relationships with the world and himself in a new way.
How to communicate with a person if you suspect narcissism or NPD
There are two main principles to follow: focus on how you feel in contact with this person, and not try to save him. In general, these rules can be applied to any relationship, regardless of the type of person.
It is not so important to recognize how pronounced narcissism is, but to pay attention to the quality of your relationship:
- whether there is disrespect, manipulation, aggression or violence
- Does your self-esteem suffer? No, it makes sense to think about parting.
