Difference between a Psychopath and a Sociopath?

In the clinical world of mental health, a sociopath and a psychopath are each classified as someone with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).  These are individuals who cannot understand others' feelings.  In general, they have no guilt for doing harm.  They may be charming.  The terms sociopath and psychopath are often debated in academic circles, and many consider them to be the same thing.  Others apply small differences to the conditions.  
 
Shared behavior between sociopaths and psychopaths are:

• Disregard for laws
• Disregard for social rules or patterns
• Disregard for the rights of others
• No remorse
• No guilt
• Aggressive or even violent behaviors

 
Being selfish, acting out, or acting rebelliously are not, in themselves, cause for a diagnosis of ASPD.  However, if the symptoms are ongoing and are not altered by punishment or changes in lifestyle, the outcome is often different.  People with ASPD rarely if ever feel bad about what they are doing or how they are treating others. 
 
Sociopaths are generally nervous and can burst into anger easily.  They have few acquaintances and probably few to no friendships because they have difficulty maintaining relationships.  As a rule, they are less educated and frequently live on the fringes of society.  Crimes they commit are generally spontaneous. 
 
Psychopaths are very charming people and find it easy to manipulate others.  Because they are so charismatic, they seem disarming.  They are usually well educated and hold steady jobs.  While they do not form relationships, they learn how to imitate emotions.  They appear normal.  For this reason it can be difficult for a victim to realize they have been targeted.  Their crimes are very well planned and executed and plan for contingencies.
 
Psychiatric diagnoses usually center on the “nature versus nurture” theory.  Psychopaths are genetically predisposed to their behavior, while sociopaths are developed from childhood trauma or abuse.
 
To be diagnosed with ASPD, an individual over 18 must clearly demonstrate at least three of the following behaviors. 

• Clear disrespect for social norms and laws.
• Lies, uses false identities, and uses others for personal gain.
• Avoids long-term plans; ignores consequences.
• Aggressive behavior like frequent fights.
• Ignores personal safety or that of others.
• Ignores personal responsibilities like work habits or paying bills
• Has no guilt or remorse for actions.

 
Other indicators can be:

• Not learning from mistakes
• Threats and intimidation
• Frequent crimes
• Unwarranted risks
• Substance addiction
• Inability to maintain relationships
• For individuals younger than 15, animal abuse or cruelty

 
Both psychopaths and sociopaths are a risk to society and a danger to others in many cases.  Violence is not a required element for a diagnosis of ASPD but it is often found as a trait in those who have been so diagnosed.  Because of their ability to dissociate from others and lack of remorse, psychopaths are typically the more dangerous of the two.  Many convicted serial killers have been diagnosed as psychopaths.
 
Not everyone who has an antisocial personality disorder is a psychopath or a sociopath.  It is estimated that as much as 3% of the population has ASPD.  It is more common in males, those with substance abuse, and in prisons.