It is important to note that personality disorders are complex mental health conditions, and not all individuals with these disorders exhibit cruelty or harmful behaviors. However, there are some general tendencies associated with each of the three personality disorders you mentioned:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): People with NPD have an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. While they may be self-centered and manipulative, they may not necessarily display outright cruelty or violence. Instead, they may exploit others for personal gain or belittle those they perceive as threats to their self-esteem.
Sociopathy (Antisocial Personality Disorder - ASPD): Sociopathy is a colloquial term often used to refer to individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). People with ASPD may have a disregard for the rights and feelings of others, an inability to conform to social norms, and a lack of remorse for their actions. They can be deceitful, impulsive, and prone to engaging in criminal behavior or other actions that harm others. While cruelty can be present, not all individuals with ASPD are inherently cruel.
Psychopathy (Psychopathic Personality Disorder): Psychopathy is a term often used interchangeably with sociopathy, but it has been defined more narrowly in some research as a distinct subset of individuals with ASPD who possess specific personality traits, such as superficial charm, lack of empathy, and a manipulative nature. Psychopaths can be more calculating and cold-blooded in their actions, often appearing charming and normal on the surface while being callous and remorseless underneath.
It's essential to understand that cruelty and harmful behavior can be found in individuals with different personality disorders, but not everyone with these disorders will exhibit such behaviors. Moreover, these terms are not clinical diagnoses but descriptions used colloquially, and in the field of mental health, specific criteria and assessments are used to diagnose personality disorders. A mental health professional is best suited to diagnose and assess the individual's specific traits and behaviors.