How Do Narcissists and Sociopaths React to Being Disordered?

Narcissists and sociopaths both fall under the category of personality disorders, specifically Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) respectively. While they share some common traits—such as manipulation, a lack of empathy, and an inflated sense of self-worth—the way they react to being confronted with their disorder can differ significantly. Understanding how narcissists and sociopaths perceive their own behavior, and how they respond to the idea that they may have a personality disorder, reveals much about their psychological makeup.

This article explores how narcissists and sociopaths react when confronted with the reality of their disorder and examines the psychological mechanisms that drive their responses.

Understanding Narcissism and Sociopathy

To better understand how narcissists and sociopaths react to being disordered, it’s important to recognize the core traits of each personality disorder:

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Narcissists often have an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. They are deeply insecure and use their grandiose behavior to cover up feelings of inadequacy.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Sociopaths, on the other hand, are characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others. They are often impulsive, deceitful, and manipulative, with little to no remorse for their actions.

Both narcissists and sociopaths tend to externalize blame, making it difficult for them to acknowledge or take responsibility for their harmful behavior. However, their responses to being identified as disordered are shaped by their distinct personality structures.

Narcissists’ Reaction to Being Labeled Disordered

1. Denial and Defensiveness

The typical narcissistic reaction to being told they have a personality disorder is denial. Narcissists have an inherent need to maintain a grandiose self-image, and any suggestion that they are flawed or disordered is a direct threat to their inflated ego. They are likely to reject the diagnosis outright, becoming defensive and possibly angry.

Narcissists have a fragile self-esteem that depends on external validation. If someone confronts them about their narcissistic traits or diagnoses them with NPD, it can provoke what’s known as narcissistic injury—a wound to their ego that triggers a defensive response. They may:

Accuse the other person of being wrong or biased.

Dismiss the diagnosis as irrelevant or unimportant.

Turn the conversation around, blaming others for their behavior.

For a narcissist, admitting that they have a disorder would be tantamount to acknowledging that they are not perfect, which contradicts the very foundation of their self-perception.

2. Narcissistic Rage

When narcissists feel exposed or criticized, they may respond with narcissistic rage. This intense, disproportionate anger is a way of protecting their fragile self-esteem. The rage can manifest as verbal aggression, manipulation, or even emotional abuse toward the person who challenged their sense of superiority.

This response serves two purposes: it deflects attention away from the narcissist’s flaws, and it punishes the person who dared to expose their weaknesses. The goal is to restore their sense of control and superiority by overpowering or silencing the individual who pointed out their disorder.

3. Feigning Acknowledgment to Manipulate

In some cases, narcissists may pretend to acknowledge their disorder, but this is often a manipulation tactic. By feigning humility or remorse, they can maintain relationships or continue receiving the attention they crave. This behavior is particularly common in covert narcissists, who may present themselves as vulnerable or self-reflective, only to use this false acknowledgment to gain sympathy or further manipulate others.

For example, a narcissist might say, “I know I have issues, but I’m trying to change,” without any real intention of improving their behavior. This allows them to avoid accountability while still maintaining control over the narrative.

Sociopaths’ Reaction to Being Labeled Disordered

1. Indifference and Lack of Concern

Unlike narcissists, who are deeply invested in maintaining their image, sociopaths tend to be indifferent when confronted with the fact that they have a disorder. Their lack of empathy and disregard for societal norms mean they often do not care about how others perceive them. If a sociopath is diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder or is called out for their manipulative behavior, they are more likely to shrug it off or express disinterest.

Sociopaths rarely experience shame or guilt in the same way that narcissists do. While narcissists react defensively because their ego is at stake, sociopaths are often unfazed by the label. They may even see their disorder as a source of pride, viewing their ability to manipulate and control others as evidence of their superiority.

2. Dismissal and Minimization

Sociopaths are skilled at minimizing the severity of their actions. When confronted with their disorder, they may dismiss it as an exaggeration or claim that their behavior is misunderstood. This is a form of cognitive distortion, where they justify their actions by downplaying their impact or rationalizing their behavior.

For example, a sociopath might respond to being told they have ASPD by saying something like, “People are too sensitive,” or “The world is full of liars and cheaters, so I’m just playing the game.” This attitude allows them to avoid taking responsibility for their actions while maintaining their view of the world as a place where rules do not apply to them.

3. Manipulation and Exploitation

Sociopaths may also use the knowledge of their disorder to further manipulate others. Unlike narcissists, who might deny their disorder to protect their ego, sociopaths can embrace the diagnosis as a tool for exploitation. They may openly acknowledge their lack of empathy or conscience, using it to intimidate or manipulate others into compliance.

For example, a sociopath might say, “I know I don’t feel remorse like other people, so it doesn’t matter what I do,” to justify their harmful behavior. By embracing the label, they can exert power over others, signaling that they are beyond the reach of moral or ethical standards.

Can Narcissists or Sociopaths Change?

One of the most pressing questions when discussing narcissism and sociopathy is whether individuals with these disorders can change. The answer is complicated.

Narcissists

Narcissists are unlikely to seek help or change unless they experience a significant life event that shatters their ego and forces them to confront their behavior. Even in therapy, narcissists often resist genuine introspection, preferring to maintain their grandiose self-image.

However, with long-term, specialized therapy—such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy—some narcissists may learn to manage their behavior and develop healthier interpersonal skills. True change requires a willingness to confront their deep-seated insecurities, which many narcissists find difficult to do.

Sociopaths

Sociopaths are generally less responsive to treatment than narcissists. Their lack of empathy and disregard for societal norms make them resistant to the kinds of emotional and behavioral interventions that are effective for other personality disorders. Sociopaths may attend therapy if it benefits them in some way—such as avoiding legal consequences—but they are unlikely to engage in therapy with the goal of genuine change.

In some cases, sociopaths may learn to modify their behavior to fit societal expectations, but this is often a calculated choice rather than a reflection of inner change. Sociopaths tend to view therapy as a game or manipulation tactic, rather than a path to self-improvement.

Conclusion

Narcissists and sociopaths react to being labeled disordered in ways that reflect their core personality traits. Narcissists often deny or react defensively, driven by the need to protect their fragile ego, while sociopaths are more likely to dismiss the diagnosis or use it to their advantage. Both personality types struggle with self-awareness and accountability, making meaningful change difficult. While therapy can help in some cases, it requires a level of introspection and willingness to change that both narcissists and sociopaths are often unwilling to engage in.