What is a sociopath and what is a psychopath?

[Jimjam]

DSM IV and DSM V are widely used for their definitions of mental ilness, and neither psychopath nor sociopath are exactly diagnoses. These terms are considered outdated. Similarly, WHO publishes an international classification of diseases and these 'disorders' are not defined there either.

What previously would have met these diagnosis are now considered to fall under antisocial personality disorder. This diagnosis can only be given to adults who have a history of disregard for others and/or self which cannot be explained away by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. What may mark this disorder as specifically psychopathy is usually considered to be low levels of anxiety/fear. Personality theories of psychology are considered useful in describing characteristics typical of people with such disorders, particularly Big Five and Dark Triad.