The terms "psychopath" and "sociopath" are often used interchangeably, but they do have historical distinctions and varying connotations in different contexts. Both are subtypes of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), but they are not official clinical diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Instead, ASPD encompasses the characteristics of both psychopathy and sociopathy.
The idea that psychopaths are "born" and sociopaths are "made" is a generalization that has been used in popular culture and some psychological literature. However, it is essential to understand that the development of ASPD, and its various subtypes, is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and social factors. The exact causes of ASPD are not fully understood.
The term "psychopath" is historically associated with traits such as superficial charm, lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and a tendency to engage in predatory behavior. Some researchers argue that psychopathy has a stronger genetic component and may be related to certain neurological differences. However, the role of genetic factors in the development of psychopathy is not entirely deterministic.
On the other hand, the term "sociopath" has been used to refer to individuals who exhibit antisocial behavior due to environmental and social factors, such as childhood trauma, neglect, or adverse experiences. The idea here is that sociopathy may arise as a reaction to a person's upbringing and life experiences.
In reality, the boundaries between psychopathy and sociopathy are not so clear-cut, and many experts now see these terms as representing different points on a continuum rather than distinct categories. Both psychopathy and sociopathy share core features of ASPD, including a disregard for the rights and feelings of others, a lack of remorse or guilt, and a propensity for manipulation and deceit.
In summary, the development of ASPD, whether it exhibits more psychopathic or sociopathic traits, is influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions, neurological factors, and environmental influences. It's not accurate to say that psychopaths are solely "born" while sociopaths are only "made," as both biological and environmental factors play roles in the manifestation of antisocial traits.