After reviewing the symptoms and criteria for both disorders, it's apparent that Antisocial Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder are quite different. However, there are some personality traits that cross over between the two. For starters, people suffering from either NPD or APD can possess qualities such as charisma, intelligence, and charm. They can also be controlling, selfish, dishonest, and unreliable, per Psychology Today.
Furthermore, people with either disorder can share an exaggerated positive perception of themselves, as well as a sense of entitlement. NPD and APD can also cause a denial of responsibility for one's abusive behavior, and a lack of insight, empathy, and emotional responsiveness. Still, while sociopaths can qualify as narcissists, not all narcissists suffer from sociopathy, and some key differences between the two exist.
For starters, their motivating factors differ, and sociopaths are generally more cunning because they don't move with their ego. In fact, sociopaths don't have much personality at all, which makes them more covert. They may even focus their attention on others if it helps them fulfill their end goal.
Narcissists, in contrast, are easier to spot, and less calculating. They are also more likely to work harder for their recognition and success, whereas sociopaths might take the easier way by lying and stealing. Overall, narcissists tend to be more concerned with others' perception of them, making them not only codependent on others, but more susceptible to manipulation, says Psychology Today.
