Sociopaths make up only between 1 and 4% of the population, according to licensed clinical psychologist Ayanna Abrams, PsyD. In order to be diagnosed, she says a person has to meet specific criteria based on social, medical, and family history. Unlike psychopaths who purposely harm others, sociopaths might not be aware of the harm they’re causing. “A sociopath’s ability to engage in perspective-taking and put themselves in another person’s position is incredibly limited,” Mancao explains. According to Abrams, sociopaths usually have a history of childhood trauma or abuse but may be able to connect with others. They understand the concept of remorse to a degree but generally aren’t strong enough to avoid harmful behaviors. Their ability to connect and form emotions may lead sociopaths to be more impulsive and erratic. “On the other hand, psychopaths may not even form relationships or emotional attachments to others so exhibit no remorse when they manipulate or harm,” she says. “The research also shows that psychopaths may have more of a genetic predisposition2 and be colder.” Some experts consider psychopathy to be simply a more severe form of ASPD, while others see it as its own distinct personality construct. Psychopathy is one of three “dark” personality types known as the “Dark Triad,” along with narcissism and Machiavellianism. Sociopaths, aka those who are clinically diagnosed with ASPD, “often have really unstable relationships, may isolate themselves, be incarcerated for their behaviors, and cause harm (emotional and physical) to people around them,” Abrams says. If someone exhibits these behaviors, Abrams says it’s important to set boundaries. Along with being clear about those boundaries and the consequences of violating them, she says it’s OK to disengage from people who exhibit sociopathic symptoms and traits.
