I get asked “what is the difference between psychopath’s and narcissists” often.
Below is an excerpt from an article that appeared in Psychopathy in the News (March, 2011)
“I would like to review the common attributes of psychopaths and narcissists:
Psychopaths:
-glib and superficial charm
-grandiose estimation of self
-need for stimulation
-pathological lying
-cunning and manipulativeness
-lack of remorse or guilt
-shallow affect (superficial emotional responses)
-callousness and lack of empathy
-parasitic lifestyle
-poor behavioral controls
-impulsivity
-irresponsibility
-failure to accept responsibility for own actions
-criminal versatility
Narcissists:
-a grandiose sense of self-importance
-is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
-requires excessive admiration
-has a sense of entitlement, unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his expectations
-is interpersonally exploitive, takes advantage of others to achieve his own ends
-lacks empathy, is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
-is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him
-shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes”
