------This is just my personal opinion after having a relationship with a sociopath:
I don't think socipaths sit and diabolically (sp) create situations, scripts and scenarios. I think its that they see an end result -- something that will benefit them and they see only that and whatever or whoever they crush in the process of getting there, is unimportant to them. Socipaths are pretty slick and easily lie. Lies just pour out of their mouths. I don't think they sit and think what they'll say when caught. I think its just second nature to them. Like an automatic reflex.
------As a sociopath, i can tell you that lying is a fun game to play during my daily routine. I tell the truth sometimes when i dont really care but other times, i will lie about the smallest of things, up to some pretty big stuff. As i speak to the person im lying to, i read their face to see if they've caught on, usually they all end up believing my stories. But to answer your question, i lie on the spot most of the time, and am able to come up with answers with ease. Some nights, before i go to sleep, ill think about the lies i told and facts to make them valid in case anyone confronts me on them. There is a quote i read that is spot on, "The perfect lies are covered by half-truths". Anyways, there is your answer.
Narcissism & Sociopathy are on the same spectrum ALL Sociopaths are also Narcissists NOT all Narcissists are Sociopaths, though. The spectrum only runs one way.
Extremely. Avoid sociopaths at all costs. They will only hurt you and you will not change them.
Yes, it is. Many sociopaths are narcissistic by nature (i.e. caring about themselves to an extreme). Munchausen's syndrome is related to narcissism, as it is focused on attention-getting. Most sociopaths do not have Munchausen's, but most people with Munchausen's are probably sociopaths (or at least narcissists).
It is certainly possible for sociopaths to band together, forming gangs that can more effectively accomplish their pathological purposes. Insanity can be shared.
Not all abusers are narcissists, but all narcissists are abusive. Thats right. Some abusers are BPD. Some are sociopaths. But all abusers have a personality disorder. All are selfish (to a dangerous degree). All lack empathy (when it gets in the way of their selfish desires..and there are innumerous desires, they are never satisfied).
We cannot answer your question because of legal considerations. It is, however, a safe bet that there are a number of narcissists and sociopaths in the national news every day.
yes and no
Sociopaths might find other sociopaths interesting, but would soon fall become bored and frustrated. Sociopaths like easy prey to manipulate, as they like to feel everything is below them. So sociopaths might actually try to avoid other sociopaths.
Sociopaths are incapable of love.
Yes, serial killers are sociopaths.
Yes. In fact, the self-serving amoral attitude, if hidden in social situations, can actually be useful in getting ahead in the corporate world.
Sociopaths generally know that they are different from others, but not that they are sociopaths. They have probably known that they were different from an early age, and may distrust others who want them to be 'normal'.