What symptom is often linked to both Antisocial Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

The symptom that is often linked to both Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a lack of empathy. Individuals with ASPD typically exhibit a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, which is often accompanied by an inability or unwillingness to empathize with the emotional experiences of others. This results in manipulative and sometimes harmful behavior without regard for the feelings or welfare of those around them.

Similarly, individuals with NPD tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for admiration, which can also result in a significant lack of empathy. Their focus on themselves often leads to difficulties in recognizing or caring about the emotional experiences and needs of others. This commonality in both disorders highlights a significant trait that affects interpersonal relationships and social dynamics.

The other symptoms listed are more specific to individual disorders rather than overlapping traits. The need to be the center of attention is more characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, fear of being alone is associated with other anxiety-based disorders, and rapid mood changes do not specifically define either ASPD or NPD. Therefore, the lack of empathy serves as a central feature that is relevant to both conditions.