Are Sociopaths and Psychopaths Interchangeable? Tony Soprano Meets Donald Trump — Re-Visioning Narcissism: Healing Heresies for Polarized Times (2024)

The unrecognized controversy between these dueling diagnostic constructs contributed to a widely experienced confusion on the part of lay people and psychological professionals alike. And had led lay people to use “psychopath” and “sociopath” interchangeably—only to have a psychological priesthood rap their knuckles with a ruler for not using the “correct” term (antisocial personality disorder)—a term that Big Tony at the shipyard has never gotten his head around. Though Big Tony knows damn well what a sociopath is. (“The dudes are ganged-up, and do bad sh*t to people, and don’t even feel bad about it”).

Yet even many psychologists continue to be confused in sorting out the following terms: sociopath, psychopath, antisocial personality disorder. Most just know that “sociopath” is no longer used. The clearest discernment may have been offered by Canadian-born psychologist Robert D. Hare—who for the past several decades has been recognized as the world’s leading authority on psychopaths. Hare didn’t dismiss the term sociopath as if it were merely an outdated label. He considered them as different, though, than psychopaths, in that the former were caused by growing up in an antisocial or criminal sub-culture, rather than from a fundamental lack of social emotion or moral reasoning (as is the case with psychopaths ).

In other words, Tony Soprano is a sociopath, not a psychopath. So is Ray Donovan. For neither would exploit their own children, the way Ray Donovan’s father did. Ray’s dad I see both as a malignant narcissist, and as well as a psychopath. He’s more chaotic. And it’s all about his needs, chaotic needs that lead him to commit self-destructive acts, that also become destructive for his kids. And Ray is constantly trying to protect both his brothers and his kids from the destructivity he knows his father leaves in his wake.

Tony and Ray aren’t great role models for their kids, and in that way “irresponsible.” But Tony and Ray aren’t totally absent of traits with a redeeming humanity, though sometimes they’re obscured. Whenever his brothers face difficulties, for example, Ray stops whatever he’s doing, and speeds in his black sedan to fix things. Being a “fixer” is what he does, and he’s good at it. It’s a craft and a craftiness that goes back to having to fix things in a broken family with a psychopath for a father.

Tony and Ray grew up in families with criminal fathers, and as Hare told us, being shaped in such gangland environments is what creates sociopaths. But they’re not totally lacking in any accountability toward others. They feel family obligation, and are capable of feeling guilt—unlike psychopaths—as well as failed responsibility, and remorse. They’re capable of speaking the truth, even crying, Tony’s actually in therapy. (Could anything in the last 3 sentences apply to Donald Trump?).

Squat Peter Clemenzo in the Godfather is at once a good family man, yet he’s also a killer. That’s just what you do, if you’re in this “family.” When Clemenzo oversees Paulie’s murder in his black sedan by the side of the road, he’s not only thinking of the responsibility he’d just carried out for his crime family, but his responsibility to his personal family, as he—now famously—says: Leave the gun, take the cannoli.

Back to Hare...While he didn’t disregard sociopathy, neither did he disregard the DSM term antisocial personality disorder either. Though he did view it as separate from his construct of psychopathy, as the two constructs didn’t list the same personality traits (though that to me, seems not entirely true, for the DSM did import some of Hare’s and Cleckley’s traits, while sensing the need for more of them throughout the years).

Actually, Hare thought the DSM construct of ASPD would validly apply to many more people than the disorder he and Cleckley had been profiling. And though there are no statistics for sociopaths—the DSM had thrown them all overboard in 1980—Hare’s belief has been that many more people would be covered by that term than ASPD.

Another takeaway I’d offer is, that since sociopathy actually refers to the largest population of these similar but separate disorders, future editions of the DSM might return to its earliest roots in supporting and publishing research about sociopaths in forthcoming editions. This, rather than leaving its cupboard so bare, or turning a snobby nose at those who continue to use the term.

And though the term psychopath would truly only apply to the smallest population of the various diagnostic constructs being explored here, that population has had a impact upon the world far beyond its numbers. And so, it too should command its own full and rightful presence in a manual that purports to be American psychiatry’s official manual of mental disorders.

For when pathologies—whether personality disorders or viruses—fail to be adequately recognized, their destructivity can increase, until their full force catches us by surprise, and with consequences truly disastrous.

In fact, our lack of recognition of psychopaths has already had a disastrous consequence. Which brings us back to Cleckley, psychopathy’s seminal authority…

Are Sociopaths and Psychopaths Interchangeable? Tony Soprano Meets Donald Trump — Re-Visioning Narcissism: Healing Heresies for Polarized Times (2024)

FAQs

Are psychopaths and sociopaths interchangeable? ›

They use a different term instead: antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Still, some experts do use "psychopathy" to describe certain behaviors that can be part of ASPD, and "sociopathy" to mean the same thing as ASPD. In fact, "sociopathy" is the former name for ASPD.

Is there a link between narcissism and psychopathy? ›

Narcissism and psychopathy have been linked in the literature already, as evidenced by research on the “dark triad” (i.e. narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism; e.g., Paulhus & Williams, 2002).

What is Tony Soprano's psychological diagnosis? ›

Melfi diagnoses him with antisocial personality disorder (APD)—making him someone who, according to the Mayo Clinic, "consistently shows no regard for right and wrong," "ignores the rights and feelings of others," and shows "no guilt or remorse" for his behavior.

What are the different types of psychopaths and sociopaths? ›

Several means of identifying subtypes have been proposed in the literature, and potential subgroups have been identified. Clinical observations at ASH have suggested 4 possible subtypes of psychopathy: narcissistic, borderline, sad*stic, and antisocial.

Do sociopaths know they're sociopaths? ›

Someone with sociopathy is unlikely to seek professional help or even realize they have ASPD. As a result, an important part of dealing and living with someone with ASPD is to know the process of getting them a diagnosis.

What personality type is closest to sociopath? ›

ENTPs, INTJs and ISTPs are sociopathic. ENTPs are Machiavellian, apathetic and can be chaotic. INTJs are narcissistic, ambitious, and non-egalitarian. ISTPs are usually laid back but can become aggressive and toxic.

Which personality disorder is the most similar to psychopathy? ›

In current diagnostic classifications psychopathy is regarded as being synonymous with antisocial personality disorder in DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association 2000) and dissocial personality disorder in ICD-10 (World Health Organization 2004).

What personality disorder attracts narcissists? ›

So are highly empathetic people

Empaths and narcissists are often drawn to each other, because empaths have a lot of compassion and understanding to give, while narcissists thrive on someone worshipping them.

What is the root cause of narcissistic personality disorder? ›

The cause is likely complex. Narcissistic personality disorder may be linked to: Environment — parent-child relationships with either too much adoration or too much criticism that don't match the child's actual experiences and achievements. Genetics — inherited characteristics, such as certain personality traits.

What type of therapy is Tony Soprano in? ›

The type of therapy used in The Sopranos is psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Tony sees Dr Melfi twice weekly for 50 minutes for several years and pays out of his own pocket each time.

Does Tony Soprano have narcissistic personality disorder? ›

Therapy scenes also included Tony talking about struggles with NPD traits. NPD for him presented as an inability to understand the needs and emotions of others and anger for having such needs and demands of him. Tony also hides his symptoms and need for mental health treatment from almost everyone in his life.

What was Tony Soprano's flaw? ›

He's a murderer, he's a drug dealer, he's a thief, he cheats on his wife, he hits all the sins. Yet, for whatever reason, the audience likes him.” Throughout the series, people who entered Tony's orbit met their demise.

Can a sociopath love their child? ›

According to Perpetua Neo, a psychologist and therapist who specializes in people with DTP traits, the answer is no. "Narcissists, psychopaths, and sociopaths do not have a sense of empathy," she told Business Insider. "They do not and will not develop a sense of empathy, so they can never really love anyone."

What are the 7 symptoms of a sociopath? ›

Symptoms
  • Ignoring right and wrong.
  • Telling lies to take advantage of others.
  • Not being sensitive to or respectful of others.
  • Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or pleasure.
  • Having a sense of superiority and being extremely opinionated.
  • Having problems with the law, including criminal behavior.
Feb 24, 2023

Can a sociopath cry? ›

How Does a Sociopath Get Hurt Emotionally? Sociopaths do not have feelings or emotions, nor do sociopaths cry genuinely. Sociopaths are capable of intense anger, frustration, and rage. They elicit those emotions in others which they cannot feel themselves.

Do sociopaths lie a lot? ›

Some believe that it is fun to torture others, or that it makes the sociopath in some way "superior." Sociopaths are often highly-functioning people, yet many lie so pathologically that they do not even know when their deception took over.

Are sociopaths generally happy? ›

Still, sociopaths are less inclined to feel emotions that are crucial in developing good relationships. According to scientific research, good relationships are positively correlated with happiness. Therefore, sociopaths are less inclined to find long-term happiness when compared to "normal people".

Can you be born a psychopath or sociopath? ›

To put the matter simplistically, psychopaths are born, and sociopaths are made. Both psychopathy and sociopathy, and APD generally, share features with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), the condition exhibited by persons commonly called narcissists.

What personality type is the most controlling? ›

Type C personalities tend to be quite controlling, both of themselves and others.
...
People with Type C personalities can typically be identified by the following traits:
  • Detail-oriented.
  • Logical.
  • Prepared.
  • Likes to do things their own way.
  • Worry about progress.
  • May never have personal expectations met.
  • Quality control.

What is the rarest personality type? ›

INFJ is the rarest personality type across the population, occurring in just 2% of the population. It is also the rarest personality type among men. INFJ stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging.

What is the opposite of a high functioning sociopath? ›

People considered 'low-functioning sociopaths' may lack the education or interpersonal skills to control and deceive. Instead, they might use threats, coercion, or intimidation to achieve their desired outcome.

What do most psychopaths have in common? ›

A person who is manipulative, dishonest, narcissistic, unremorseful, non-empathetic, and exploitative may be a psychopath. Criminality, promiscuity, and lack of responsibility are also common traits associated with psychopathy.

What mental illness do psychopaths have? ›

Psychopaths are considered to have a severe form of antisocial personality disorder.

Can a psychopath be a good person? ›

Yes, research shows there are “good” psychopaths. Many people in positively heroic professions have strong psychopathic traits.

Who do narcissists fear the most? ›

Although narcissists act superior, entitled and boastful, underneath their larger-than-life facade lies their greatest fear: That they are ordinary. For narcissists, attention is like oxygen. Narcissists believe only special people get attention.

What kind of woman does a narcissist marry? ›

In fact, narcissists are often attracted to strong, confident, and self-assured women. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is important to realize that the narcissistic traits of grandiosity and confidence are really a mask for deep insecurity.

What does a narcissist crave the most? ›

Narcissists thrive on getting attention, feeling special, and having control. He is an expert at getting an emotional reaction out of you – good or bad – because it makes him feel powerful and better than you.

What kind of childhood creates a narcissist? ›

Narcissism tends to emerge as a psychological defence in response to excessive levels of parental criticism, abuse or neglect in early life. Narcissistic personalities tend to be formed by emotional injury as a result of overwhelming shame, loss or deprivation during childhood.

What is the one question to identify a narcissist? ›

“To what extent do you agree with this statement: 'I am a narcissist. '” Scientists believe that this question could be all researchers need to make a quick and easy diagnosis of narcissism.

What are the 5 main habits of a narcissist? ›

Common Narcissist Characteristics
  • Inflated Ego.
  • Lack of Empathy.
  • Need for Attention.
  • Repressed Insecurities.
  • Few Boundaries.

Was Tony Soprano a sociopath or psychopath? ›

He considered them as different, though, than psychopaths, in that the former were caused by growing up in an antisocial or criminal sub-culture, rather than from a fundamental lack of social emotion or moral reasoning (as is the case with psychopaths ). In other words, Tony Soprano is a sociopath, not a psychopath.

What anxiety meds does Tony Soprano take? ›

Tony is feeling depressed and anxious but is not immediately prescribed Prozac. The psychiatrist evaluates him for a period of time before giving him a prescription. As a result of his Prozac intake, Tony experiences some common side effects.

How accurate is the therapy in Sopranos? ›

'' ''The Sopranos'' offers a refreshingly credible version of what happens in therapy, according to Dr. Pizer and other analysts. ''It's the best representation of the work we do that has ever been in film or on television,'' said Dr.

Who is the most unlikable Sopranos character? ›

It's a testament to the acting chops of Aida Turturro that Janice Soprano is one of the most hate-able characters in a show chock-full of unsympathetic, cold-blooded murderers.

What is malignant narcissistic personality disorder? ›

Malignant narcissism is a personality type that causes extreme narcissism, aggression, and, sometimes, abuse of others. A person may use manipulative means or violence to enhance their own sense of wellbeing.

Does Tony Soprano have empathy? ›

On occasion, however, Tony's kinder side shines through. He has a particular soft spot for animals, which, as Melfi discovers, is common among diagnosed sociopaths. He also, in rare cases, shows empathy for his fellow humans.

Who is the least favorite Sopranos character? ›

Yet according to a poll, fans voted that Tony and his son A.J. Soprano (Robert Iler) are the two least likable characters on the show. The poll received 565 submissions, with Tony garnering 20.53 percent of votes and A.J. 20.71 percent.

Who is Tony Soprano main enemy? ›

Phil Leotardo is the final antagonist of the HBO series The Sopranos, appearing as the main antagonist in both seasons five and six respectively.

Are sociopaths secondary psychopaths? ›

The first category includes what are known as primary psychopaths. The second includes what are known as secondary psychopaths, or sociopaths.

Can a psychopath love their parents? ›

Like healthy people, many psychopaths love their parents, spouse, children, and pets in their own way, but they have difficulty in loving and trusting the rest of the world.

Do psychopaths love themselves? ›

It's also possible that some psychopaths may only be able to love themselves. They might not have the ability to feel love for anyone else. If you are close to a psychopath, it might be hard to tell what type of love they have because they are very good at manipulating things to their advantage.

Can a psychopath be obsessed with someone? ›

Psychopaths And Relationships

Their love can sometimes manifest as an unhealthy obsession, driven by control and personal gain rather than genuine affection. Although it may be difficult for them to show emotions, they can feel something resembling affection or even strong romantic passion.

How do psychopaths react to crying? ›

They are really bad at crying.

When psychopaths cry, Glass says they will often wipe underneath each eye, one at a time. "When people cry genuine tears they cry with both eyes, and so they will tend to wipe both eyes at once."

Can a sociopath feel remorse? ›

Thomas admits that sociopaths can be dangerous; they're hungry for power, and they don't feel guilt or remorse.

Do sociopaths get better as they age? ›

Most people mellow out with age, but in the case of psychopaths and those suffering from similar antisocial personality disorders such as sociopaths, bad behavior tends to get worse, according to new research from New Zealand's University of Otago.

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