Did you know that an estimated 5 percent of adults in the United States of America have Narcissistic Personality Disorder? It's normal to wonder if a self-centered person in your life is suffering from narcissism or some other personality disorder that impacts their daily life. Still, many people don't have a clear understanding of what is narcissism and what is sociopathy in the 21st century.
There are a number of notable differences that you need to know if you're trying to determine the differences between narcissism vs. sociopathy. Knowing the differences will allow you to understand the person's actions and take steps to help them while protecting yourself.
The good news is that you've found the perfect narcissism guide to learning all about the differences between narcissism and sociopathy. Keep reading to learn more today!
What is Narcissism?
The term "narcissism" comes from Greek mythology, and you can trace it back to a man named Narcissus. The tale is one of a man that falls in love with his reflection. It goes without saying that many narcissists are in love with themselves and their achievements.
Having ambition is one thing, but a narcissist will lie and cheat to get to where they want to be in life. They won't think twice about who they hurt on their road to getting what they want. This could surface as a partner who doesn't care about your needs within a relationship.
It's important that you know the different types of narcissism. Overt narcissism shows up in the form of manipulative behavior from the person who has NPD. Covert narcissism shows up through signs of deep insecurity, while malignant narcissism comes with some sadistic behaviors and traits.
Antagonistic narcissism is another form of narcissism explained. It involves an intense level of competitiveness in daily life. The last form of narcissism is communal narcissism, and it involves a sense of altruism that comes with actions that are self-serving.
Symptoms of Narcissism
It's important to learn the symptoms of narcissism if you want to identify people in your life that are narcissistic. Many people that suffer from NPD have an attitude of arrogance. They need constant admiration from those around them and they tend to lack empathy. It's also normal to have envy towards people that are doing better than the narcissist.
Many people that are narcissists also have a strong obsession with power. They want to build a dream life while maintaining their looks and growing their wealth.
It's easy to wonder can narcissists change over a period of time, as it might make sense to get help from a therapist to treat these symptoms. They're not afraid to exploit others in order to get what they want in life, which is a scary trait to have.
Narcissism is much more tied to selfish behavior and manipulation in order to feed the ego. It's possible for a narcissist to feel some level of empathy for those around them. The main goal of the narcissist is to give off the appearance of being powerful and successful.
What Is Sociopathy?
Sociopaths differ from narcissists in the sense that sociopaths do not feel remorse or guilt for their actions. It doesn't matter how much the sociopath is hurting those around them, they will feel justified in their actions rather than feeling guilty. Many sociopaths will manipulate friends and romantic partners for their own amusement.
It's estimated that around 4 percent of the population suffers from sociopathy. Sociopaths tend to have run-ins with law enforcement on a frequent basis and they will gladly exploit someone if it benefits them. Dramatic interactions are also common when it comes to sociopaths.
Symptoms of Sociopathy
Most sociopaths will start displaying symptoms prior to turning 18 years old. A clear sign that someone in your life is a sociopath is if they have zero regard for the law and any crimes that they commit. They will find people that they can exploit for their money or time and use those things to benefit themselves.
Many sociopaths lack the ability to plan things for the future and stick to them. They lack a committed attitude when it comes to the career that they choose. It's also common for a sociopath to fail to pay back debts that they owe to friends, family, and lenders. The clearest sign of a sociopath is the obvious lack of remorse for actions and words.
It's difficult to determine if sociopathy is a result of genetics or experiences for the person suffering from the disorder. Many instances of sociopathy are linked to childhood physical or sexual abuse.
Narcissism vs. Sociopathy Treatment
A major area of common ground when it comes to narcissism vs. sociopathy is the fact that the afflicted person is unlikely to seek treatment on their own. That could change if the person with the personality disorder starts experiencing more anxiety and depression. They could take steps to get the help that they need.
The main way that narcissism and sociopathy get diagnosed is through interviews with therapists. Therapy and prescriptions have been shown to help with treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder over a longer period of time. Sociopathy is more difficult to treat, and it's possible that the afflicted person will never escape from this disorder.
The best approach to take is to get cognitive behavioral therapy. This form of therapy is a great way to manage symptoms and focus on living a healthy and happy life.
Now You Know the Difference Between Narcissism vs. Sociopathy
Diving into the differences between narcissism vs. sociopathy can get confusing and overwhelming as they tend to have a lot of crossover. Narcissism displays a focus on gaining power and creating the appearance of success with some level of empathy. A sociopathy guide will show you that a sociopath has zero remorse and they will exploit anyone as long as it benefits them.
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