People generally call others narcissists, but there are nine criteria, five of which are necessary for a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). The following brief diagnosis is controversial:

Narcissism exists on a continuum, but a person with narcissistic personality disorder is conceited (sometimes only in fantasy), lacks empathy, and has a need for the admiration of others, as demonstrated by five of the following traits:

A sense of grandiose self-importance and exaggeration of achievements and talents
Dreams of unlimited power, success, brilliance, beauty, or perfect love

• Lacks empathy for the feelings and needs of others
  It requires excessive admiration
  Believes that he or she is special and unique, and can only be understood or associated with other special or high-status people (or institutions)
  Unreasonably expects special and preferential treatment or compliance with his or her wishes
  Taking advantage of others to achieve personal goals
  He envies others or thinks they are jealous of him
  Has an “attitude” of arrogance or acts this way
  There are several types of narcissists – from the common “exhibitionist narcissist” to the “blocked narcissist” or covert narcissist. There are narcissists who are not vindictive and abusive. However, narcissists who exhibit all or most of the above characteristics intensely and/or frequently are considered malignant narcissists. Narcissists who have fewer and less severe symptoms, along with “narcissistic” people who do not have full-blown narcissistic personality disorder, can have insight, guilt, remorse, and the ability to connect emotionally, as well as love. (See Dealing with a Narcissist: 8 Steps to Raising Self-Esteem and Setting Boundaries with Difficult People to determine if your loved one is capable of change and if your relationship can improve.)

Antisocial personality disorder

The labels sociopath and psychopath are often used interchangeably. The clinical term is “antisocial personality disorder.” (APD), like narcissistic personality disorder, is long-term and affects all situations. Sometimes, persistent personality disorders are difficult to treat. A person with BPD must have had a conduct disorder by age 15 and exhibit at least four of these traits:

Does not support ongoing work (or school)
Does not conform to social norms, including illegal behavior whether caught or not
Ignores the truth, evidenced by repeated lying, deception, use of aliases, and failure to pay debts
Impulsive or fails to plan ahead; He moves aimlessly
Irritability and aggression. For example, fights or assaults
Recklessly disregards the safety of self or others
Consistent irresponsibility, as evidenced by repeated failure to maintain consistent work behavior or meet financial obligations
Lacks remorse and feels justified in hurting, abusing, or stealing from others
Does not continue monogamy for more than a year
Narcissists versus sociopaths
Malignant narcissists are the most malicious and destructive and can look like sociopaths.

Common features. They can both be charismatic, intelligent, charming, and successful, as well as unreliable, controlling, selfish, deceitful, and dishonest. They share exaggerated positive self-images and a sense of entitlement. For example, when they offend, they believe they are justified and deny responsibility for their behavior. They lack insight. Although they may feign appropriate emotional reactions, this is usually insincere due to their lack of empathy and emotional responsiveness.

distinguishing features. While sociopaths are considered narcissists, not all narcissists are sociopaths. What drives them varies. But the main difference is that the sociopath is more cunning and manipulative, because his ego is not always at stake. In fact, they have no real personality. They are the best con artists and can handle any personality that suits them. Therefore, they can be difficult to spot, because they are not trying to persuade you or win your approval – unless it serves their agenda. Instead of bragging, their conversation may focus on you rather than themselves, and they may even ignore themselves and apologize if it serves their goal.

Sociopaths are more cautious and may premeditate aggression. The narcissist is likely to react more quickly with lies and intimidation. Narcissists often work hard to achieve success, fame, and perfection, but they may exploit others along the way. In contrast, sociopaths attempt to deceive, steal, or financially exploit others. Although both personalities may be motivated to win at all costs, narcissists care more about what you think of them. They need the admiration of others. This makes them dependent, dependent on others, and susceptible to manipulation. They are less likely to divorce their spouse than a sociopath, who may leave or disappear if they are in danger or do not get what they want.

Help and treatment

If you are in an abusive relationship, it does not matter whether your partner is a narcissist or a sociopath. You need help setting boundaries and restoring the self-esteem and ability to trust yourself and others that were damaged in an abusive relationship.

Narcissists and sociopaths do not usually seek treatment unless, in the case of narcissistic personality disorder, they are suffering from severe stress or depression or their partner insists they should. Sometimes people with BPD are unwittingly sent into treatment, presenting issues with trust and acceptance. Therapy should focus on helping them access their feelings and learn from the negative consequences of their behavior.