sociopath is a word used to describe a person suffering from sociopathy, a personality disorder that provokes a impulsive behavior, hostile and antisocial.
Sociopathy is characterized by an exacerbated self-centeredness, which leads to a disregard for other people's feelings and rights.
A sociopath has no attachment to moral values and is able to simulate feelings in order to manipulate others. Also, their inability to control their negative emotions makes it very difficult to establish a stable relationship.
Sociopathy has no cure. However, its effects can be mitigated through psychotherapy and medication prescription. The expression functional sociopath designates a person who, despite suffering from sociopathy, has this situation under control, that is, the effects of sociopathy do not greatly affect their interaction with other people.
Difference between sociopath and psychopath
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, both psychopathy and sociopathy are considered antisocial personality disorders and have many similar characteristics, which explains why they are often seen as synonyms.
There are many traits in common: disregard for other people's laws, social norms and rights; absence of guilt; violent behavior.
One of the main differences is that the psychopath does not feel remorse or empathy, whereas the sociopath has these feelings at some level, though this is often not enough to stop you from harming others. people.
Another difference between psychopaths and sociopaths, in addition to the degree of empathy and guilt, has to do with how they act. Psychopaths tend to be cooler and more calculating, while sociopaths are more explosive and hot-headed.
Read more about the Definition of Psychopath and about the Differences between Sociopath and Psychopath.