What is the difference between Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorders?

Question

I know how the DSM-IV TR defines these two disorders, but they seem very similar in real-life clients. Is it likely that narcissists have antisocial tendencies and vice versa? I understand that narcissists have an overdeveloped ego and a preoccupation with themselves, but then again, so do most sociopaths. How does one differentiate between the two diagnoses?

I know how the DSM-IV TR defines these two disorders, but they seem very similar in real-life clients. Is it likely that narcissists have antisocial tendencies and vice versa? I understand that narcissists have an overdeveloped ego and a preoccupation with themselves, but then again, so do most sociopaths. Narcissists have the same lack of empathy as sociopaths, and can have the same impulsivity, criminality, and disregard for the rights of others. In fact, almost half of batterers in treatment meet the DSM's criteria for NPD. Many sociopaths have the same superficial charm, sense of entitlement, arrogance, and grandiosity that are hallmarks of narcissism. Many people with Axis II diagnoses are co-morbid for the two disorders. It seems obvious that there is lots of overlap between the two diagnoses. How then does one differentiate between the two diagnoses?

Answer 1

Individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorders do not necessarily have "anti-social" characteristics, such as aggressiveness, criminality, impulsiveness and the like. If these characteristics are in evidence, they are not the defining features of someone with Narcissistic PD, whereas they tend to be hallmarks of Antisocial PD. As well, Narcissistic PD individuals are more likely to be grandiose in their presentation, Antisocial PD, not as likely. As someone else has mentioned, the lack of guilt or remorse is also a hallmark of Antisocial PD, which is not found in Narcissistic PD.

Answer 2

Antisocial Narcissistic

Answer 3

Let's start with the similarity,their both lacking the ability to love someone else. The difference is that a narcissistic can't see or feel for anyone other than themselves,nothing and noone else matters. With an antisocial disorder it is usually by some force that has created this type of behavior whether it's from a traumatic situation,abuse,neglect,or perhaps even a serious case of introvertedness that causes one to become emotionally crippled. But,in either case you're dealing with a serious problem.

Answer 4

There are MAJOR differences. Antisocial is just that ANTI social. N's are OVER social. They require narcissistic supply from other people to avoid feeling worthless. N's view other people as mirrors reflecting their image back to them.

Answer 5

Narcissists are very emotional and antisocials are extremely cold?

The narcissist has the capacity to love, they just use it on themselves?

To a narcissist you are a servant and to an antisocial you are a tool?

Answer 6

NPD patients can still feel Empathy and usally are seen as obnoxious where as Sociopaths are Narcissist on Steroids.

Answer 7

Excellent question...the difficulty probably comes in trying to get someone with narcissistic pd to concentrate on someone else's feelings. They are able to put themselves in someone else's place and feel empathy, while someone with antisocial pd is not.

Answer 8

A narcissist doesn't mind being around people, as long as he/she can be the center of attention. On the other hand, someone who is anti-social does not care to or is unable to get along with others.

Answer 9

Named after the greek god Narcissus who was entirely infatuated with himself. So one who is, conceited, vain, arrogant, and "big-headed."

She was entirely narcissistic and obsessed with her beauty.