Antisocial or Narcissist? How Traits of ASPD Overlap With NPD.

| Antisocial or Narcissist? What’s a Sociopath? |

Antisocial Personality Disorder, or ASPD, is a complex mental health condition primarily characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, lack of empathy, and manipulative behavior. Individuals with ASPD often display a range of antisocial traits that can lead to significant personal, social, and legal difficulties. This disorder falls within the Cluster B of personality disorders, the group that also includes Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). The traits associated with ASPD and NPD often overlap, creating a complex web of behaviors that can be exhibited by individuals with either disorder.

ASPD is the modern diagnosis for individuals who may have previously been classified as sociopaths (see the difference between sociopaths and psychopaths at Web MD).

ASPD is marked by several key characteristics, including a blatant disregard for the rights and feelings of others, a lack of remorse for their actions, deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, aggressiveness, consistent irresponsibility, and a general failure to conform to social norms. People with ASPD often struggle with forming and maintaining meaningful relationships, have difficulty holding down jobs, and may engage in criminal activities due to their disregard for rules and laws.

One of the most notable traits of ASPD is the absence of intuitive empathy. Individuals with this disorder have difficulty connecting with the emotions and experiences of others. This does not mean the can’t rationally understand what other people might be feeling in a given circumstance. Indeed, they are known for taking advantage of the emotions of others.

Their lack of empathy contributes to their ability to manipulate and exploit people without guilt or remorse. Their capacity for charm and charisma can and will be used to manipulate others for personal gain.

Many of the traits associated with ASPD overlap with those of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. NPD is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, a lack of empathy, and a belief in one’s special entitlement. While the two disorders have distinct features, they share certain traits and sometimes both manifest as co-morbid conditions in an individual.

One common trait shared by both ASPD and NPD is manipulativness. Individuals with NPD often manipulate others to maintain their inflated self-image and to gain admiration and attention. Similarly, those with ASPD manipulate others for personal gain, often without any consideration for the well-being of those they exploit. Manipulation may involve deceit, charm, or even intimidation.

Both narcissists and those with ASPD are known for dishonesty. They will lie about big and little things – even seemingly insignificant things, which can be especially bewildering.

Another shared trait is a superficial charm and charisma. Individuals with NPD often come across as charming and confident, attracting others to them. Likewise, those with ASPD can use their charm to manipulate and deceive others, creating a facade that hides their true nature and intentions. This charm can make it difficult for people to see through their manipulative behaviors.

Both disorders are also associated with difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Individuals with NPD often struggle to maintain genuine connections with others due to their excessive self-focus and inability to empathize. In a similar vein, those with ASPD are unlikely to build truly meaningful relationships because of their disregard for the feelings and rights of others. Their impulsivity and lack of empathy can lead to exploitative and volatile interactions.

Both ASPD and NPD have been linked to impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors. Individuals with NPD might engage in reckless activities to gain attention and admiration, while those with ASPD may engage in impulsive and often illegal behaviors without considering the consequences. This overlap in impulsivity often contributes to a range of negative outcomes in both disorders.

Antisocial Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder are distinct yet overlapping mental health conditions that share several common traits. Traits such as manipulation, lack of empathy, superficial charm, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships are evident in both disorders. These shared traits contribute to the complexity and challenges associated with both conditions.

Individuals with these disorders may require professional help and significant support to manage their behaviors and improve their quality of life, but these conditions are notoriously treatment-resistant. Some can learn strategies to better function in society, but like Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Antisocial personalities are hardwired from a very young age and widely considered incurable.

Read next: Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder