Sociopath vs. psychopath?

The differences between sociopaths and psychopaths are nuanced but distinct. Kevin Dutton explains that a sociopath is more reactive, volatile, and impulsive, often acting violently in the moment and possibly feeling remorse later. Conversely, a psychopath is more premeditated, emotionally flat, and calculated, often carrying out planned acts without remorse 1.

Dr. Sohom Das adds that sociopaths struggle to fit into society and tend to live on the fringes, often involved in criminal activities. They react impulsively when provoked. Psychopaths, however, are able to blend into society more seamlessly, demonstrating charm and manipulativeness. Psychopaths plan their actions meticulously and wait for the perfect moment to seek revenge, making them more dangerous and harder to detect 2.

According to James Fallon, psychopaths lack a sense of morality and don't feel guilt about their actions, whereas sociopaths possess a sense of right and wrong but choose to ignore it due to past abuse or trauma. This makes sociopaths somewhat more "evil" in a traditional sense because they understand the immorality of their actions but proceed anyway 3.

Ultimately, while both exhibit antisocial behavior, sociopaths are more emotionally unstable and impulsive, whereas psychopaths are cold, calculated, and often more integrated into society 4 1.