Narcissist vs Psychopath: How to identify their differences?

     The terms narcissist and psychopath are often used interchangeably. People often mistakenly call a person who is self-centered a narcissist or a psychopath. However, these terms have a noticeable difference that sets them apart, despite some overlapping symptoms. Personality disorder defines each category. In addition, these disorders have different psychotherapeutic interventions.

    Although the term psychopathy is used more often in conversations, DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-V) does not categorize the term 'psychopath' as a disorder. It is summarized under the term Antisocial Personality Disorder. While narcissism is a characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, not every narcissist has Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

 Cluster B category of personality disorder includes APD and NPD. People with Cluster B personality disorders are overly dramatic, emotional, and impulsive. They have difficulty maintaining relationships. A psychopath is always a narcissist while a narcissist is not always a psychopath.

    The prevalence of Psychopaths is rare. According to studies, Psychopaths make up to 1% of the general population. While there is general data of 5% prevalence of narcissistic personality disorder. It is hard to get an accurate rate of both conditions because these people usually don't go to therapy willingly as they don't think there is something wrong with them.

What is a Psychopath?

    The personality type most often associated with violence is antisocial personality disorder (APD). People with APD show a disinterest in the expectations and rules of society and often have at least minor violations of the rules of society and the rights of others.

    Psychopathy refers to the inability to notice, understand, or address emotions due to a lack of emotional intelligence and empathy. Manipulative, immoral, occasionally charismatic, emotionless, and persuasive are its key characteristics.

    They engage in constant 'power games,' appearing to be "kind and understanding one minute and aggressive the next, exploiting what others say against them." Psychopaths can be tough to deal with since they can 'appear pleasant,' leading us to believe they are, yet they don't follow any of the 'fair norms' that others assume to be universal.

   According to experts, Psychopaths have abnormal brain structures. Their nervous system is wired completely differently than a normal functioning person. The brain areas involved in empathy, fear, and emotions are different from the general population. 

    Psychopaths may be entrepreneurs, politicians, and other influential people rather than a convict. Oftentimes they make great salesman as they know how to sell understand the other person and sell him.

Key features of a psychopath

• Superficial charm and good looks
• Lack of empathy and remorse
• Egocentricity
• Pathological liars
• Impulsivity
• Grandiose sense of self-worth
• Extremely manipulative behavior 
• Shallow affect
• Fearless
• Enjoys the thrill of breaking rules
• Likely to cheat on their partners

What is Narcissism?

    Narcissism is characterized by a preoccupation with exaggerated self-images and fantasies, an extraordinary serenity and composure that is only shaken when narcissistic self-confidence is threatened, and a tendency to take others for granted or exploit them. Narcissists constantly seek validation from others.

    Narcissism is named after the mythical character Narcissus, who fell in love with his reflection in a pool of water. People with Narcissism surround themselves with people who admire them and feed their egos. 

There are two kinds of narcissism: Grandiose and vulnerable kind. While grandiose narcissists are dominant, extroverted, and confident; vulnerable narcissists are introverted, overly sensitive, and self-conscious. They are self-absorbed and insecure people.

Common narcissistic traits

• Conscious and unconscious envy towards others.
• When others, especially romantic partners, fail to "reflect" them, they become agitated, caustic, and blame them.
• Selfishness concealed by ulterior motives.
• Are prone to narcissistic wounding(ego injury), and certain types of criticism are intolerable.
• Feeling void or irritated when not the center of attention
• Aggressiveness.
• Feels entitled to special considerations, whether earned or not.
• Fantasies of success and grandiosity; ambition
• Avoidance of contrary realities
• Bouts of insecurity. 
• More likely to feel 'shame' over 'guilt'.
• Excessively seductive; shallow relationships.
• Very manipulative; usually highly skilled at "pushing buttons" or redirecting criticism.
• Unlimited and unrealistic sense of specialness.
• Excessively concerned with surface pointers of social significance (e.g., appearance, work title, possessions, status images).

How is a Narcissist different from a Psychopath?      

    One way to differentiate a narcissist from a psychopath is that when a narcissist does a bad thing, they feel a fair amount of shame because they are usually concerned with how society views them. Whereas a psychopath has no remorse or guilt. There are emotionless and lack empathy. Psychopaths usually commit violent crimes like murder, rape, kidnapping, setting things on fire, etc. 

Another difference is the intention behind their behavior. Narcissist people don't want to harm others rather they want others to compliment them and shower them with praises. They are usually concerned with leaving a good impression on others. A psychopath intends to commit a crime for a thrill without feeling remorse for their actions. 

Conclusion

    Narcissists and psychopaths typically share similar traits, such as lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and egocentrism. However, despite their general similarities, several recognizable differences distinguish them. Psychopaths don't feel guilty about hurting others. They break the law and enjoy it. On the other hand, the motive behind the behavior of narcissists is self-inflation. They may feel ashamed of their actions.

 

 

References

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/personality-disorders/what-are-personality-disorders