Sociopath and psychopath
Interchangeable terms for the same character disorder

What is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath? It depends who you ask.

The terms "sociopath" and "psychopath" describe pretty much the same personality disorder—people who feel no emotional connections to others and have zero regard for the rules and regulations of society.

Psychology professionals disagree about which term to use—which, unfortunately, only confuses the public. Some researchers have come to think of a sociopath as someone who is socialized in an antisocial subculture, such as a gang.

Lovefraud has chosen to use the term "sociopath" to describe this personality disorder. Why? The word "pscyhopath" sounds similar to the words "psychotic" and "psycho", which most people associate with someone who is mentally ill. Lovefraud wants you to understand that these people are not crazy.

Another term, "antisocial personality disorder (ASP)," is similar. This is the term used in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). According to DSM-IV as presented by BehaveNet^®, a person can be diagnosed as antisocial if since age 15 he or she has shown a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others. The person must have indicated at least three of the following:

• Failure to conform to lawful social norms
• Deceitfulness
• Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
• Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicted by repeated physical fights or assaults
• Reckless disregard for safety of self or others
• Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations
• Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent about having hurt, mistreated or stolen from another

According to Dr. Robert Hare, however, the terms are not synonymous. Dr. Hare, who prefers to use "psychopath," explains that antisocial personality disorder refers to a cluster of criminal and antisocial behaviors, whereas psychopathy encompass both personality traits and socially deviant behaviors. All psychopaths would also be diagnosed has having antisocial personality disorder, but not everyone with antisocial personality disorder is a psychopath.

Medical experts estimate that 3% of men and 1% of women have ASP. In the United States, that would add up 4.4 million men and 1.5 million women. This would include sociopaths/psychopaths, which Dr. Hare estimates at 1% of the North American population.

Regardless of which term you use, what is important is recognizing the symptoms.