Sociopath, Psychopath or Anti Social Personality Disorder? Which is it?

So is he/she a "sociopath", "psychopath" or do they have "Anti Social Personality Disorder" (ASPD)?  You pick, because basically, they're the same thing, particularly since few are ever officially  diagnosed.

Calling someone a "Psychopath" tends to instill undue terror of those with this condition.  This term usually instills thoughts of  psychotic serial killers and so in the 1930's, authorities changed the term to sociopath.

"Sociopath" still carries weight and forewarns those who could be victimized, for even if the terror they inflict is merely emotional, it is terrorizing none-the-less.  Once again, the term became synonymous with serial killers though, so the powers-that-be changed the name of the condition to ASPD.

Not only is the term "Anti Social Personality Disorder" long and ungainly, but it is too light and too benign or  innocent sounding to protect the innocents that these people run across.  All need to understand the gravity of the condition.

You will find that most people who write about the condition prefer the term sociopath, while those still caught in the midst of the terror lean towards psychopath.  I prefer the weight of the name "sociopath" and will use it in my writings.

Somewhere, I heard that there are no degrees of sociopathy, that all are equally dangerous and that the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath is merely opportunity.  Chilling. 

In my experience, there are "higher functioning" sociopaths that maintain jobs and at least the facade of a marriage and family. 

My son would be an example of a "lower functioning" sociopath.  He couch surfs when not incarcerated, because he can't hold onto a job for long, and therefore a place to live. He simply cannot hold onto any relationship for long due to his inability to remain faithful and non-violent.   He abuses substances and lives a life of crime. 

Call it what you want, but learn and protect yourself.  If you have anything else to add that would help others protect themselves and move on, please share.