Psychologist Questions Psychiatric Disorders

What's the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?

I watch a lot of true crime shows, and I noticed that both of these terms are thrown around and often confused. What exactly is the difference between a sociopath and psychopath?

5 Answers

There is no exact difference, however, with a person who has been diagnosed as a psychopath might bring pain and maybe even death to another
They are similar in the behaviors they often exhibit, they are different in the sense that the psychopath's outward behavior is driven by a mistaken understanding/contact with reality.  These beliefs motivate the things the do and say. Their reality and that shared by a very large majority of people differ significantly. In contrast, a sociopath very much needs, in fact --depends upon-their clear understanding of social reality to the extent that they can always make it work to their advantage. In short, the difference is different connection with reality -- one that is imaginal versus one so precise, that its owner can exploit any situation to their own advantage or pursuit with absolutely no guilt.
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They have same traits it a psychopath is more severe than a sociopath. They lie, manipulate, control and blame everyone for any mishaps in their lives to the point of acting upon it
A good resource in answering this question is:

https://www.healthyplace.com/personality-disorders/psychopath/psychopath-vs-sociopath-what-s-the-difference
Psychopathy is related to an individual mental illness. Sociopapathy is related to the illness effect in the social environment of the person.