a mess

A personality disorder is a way of thinking, behaving, or feeling that deviates from our society’s expectations and oftentimes causes significant problems in the individual’s relationships, workplace, and their ability to function in life in general. Symptoms of personality disorders typically begin to emerge in early adolescence and is believed to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. 

DSM-5 lists ten personality disorders that are grouped into three categories called ‘’clusters’’. 

Cluster A 

Paranoid Personality Disorder (suspicious, hypersensitivty, secretive)

Schizoid Personality Disorder (seclusive, indifferent, passive)

Schizotypal Personality Disorder (odd thinking, bizarre fantasies, weird language)

Cluster B 

Antisocial Personality Disorder (lack of empathy,, rule-breaking, aggressive)

Borderline Personality Disorder (impulsive, self-mutilative, fear of abandonment)

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (manipulative, self-entitlement, arrogant)

Histrionic Personality Disorder (attention-seeking, flamboyant, seductive)

Cluster C  

Avoidant Personality Disorder (isolated, fears criticism, self-critical)

Dependent Personality Disorder (clingy, indecisive, submissive)

Oftentimes, the words psychopathy and sociopathy are used interchangeably. Although the official term is called Antisocial Personality Disorder, psychopathy and sociopathy are widely recognized and used by criminologists. Psychopaths have their own unique behavioral characteristics that vary from that of a sociopath’s. 

Psychopaths

believed to be a genetic predisposition, in other words they’re born psychopaths

have a hard time forming genuine emotional bonds

tend to form artificial, shallow relationships designed to manipulate the other person to their advantage

are not capable of guilt or empathy, no matter how much they hurt others

engages in criminal behavior, although meticulously plans criminal activity so as to minimize chances of getting caught

appear to be charming, intelligent (most psychopaths have high IQs), trustworthy, with normal, stable jobs, some even having families and seemingly-loving relationships

presents a greater risk to society than their sociopath counterpart

skilled at gaining people’s trust and mimicking normal human emotions they do not possess

crimes are usually done so in a calm, cool, and meticulous manner

make up 1% of general population

Sociopaths

believed to be molded by environmental factors such as an abusive home

tend to be more impulsive and erratic in behavior

while they also have difficulty forming emotional attachments, they usually gravitate toward a like-minded group or person 

most don’t hold down long-term jobs or present much of a normal family life to the outer world

tend to be uneducated

although a sociopath also engages in criminal activity, they may do so in an impulsive and largely unplanned manner, with little regard for the risks and consequences of being caught

become agitated and angered easily, often leading to violent outbursts

make up 4% of general population

Similarities

a disregard for laws and social norms

a disregard for the rights of others

a failure to feel remorse or guilt

you were like tall, tan, driving ‘round the city flirting with these girls like you’re so pretty