Identifying a Sociopath versus a Psychopath Are psychopaths or sociopaths more difficult to identify? Does the behavior they exhibit necessarily mean they are criminals, dangerous, or just crazy? Sociopaths and psychopaths actually fall under Antisocial Personality Disorders (ASPD) in the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) and do not technically have their own category of disorders. They share many common traits or behaviors, but also have some specific behaviors unique to their disorder. In addition, individuals with either disorder can be considered a threat to local law enforcement and national security, but one is much harder to detect. Agents for Homeland Security and local law enforcement need to know how to potentially identify a psychopath or sociopath, but also …show more content…
They also tend to be intelligent and have a grandiose ego. In addition, they are also manipulative and gain others trust by their charm or appearance of likability. Psychopaths also lack the ability to feel guilt or have a moral compass, and tend to be hostile and predatory. Their criminal behavior is usually pre-meditated, meticulous, controlled and opportunistic; and usually includes a contingency plan for future risks, although they may often live a nomadic existence lacking direction in life. As juveniles they may have had issues with antagonism, delinquency, early criminal behavior, bullying, or sexual promiscuity (Egan, 2016). Examples of psychopaths who were caught include John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, Dennis Rader (BTK Killer), Jeffrey Dahmer, and Aileen Wuornos . However, some psychopathic serial killers are never caught such as the Zodiac Killer, the original Night Stalker, Long Island serial killer (aka Gilgo Beach Killer), and Jack the Ripper (Biography,