The fifth and concluding season of "You," an American psychological thriller available on Netflix, is scheduled for release on April 24, 2025. Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley, will make his return, with his sinister and violent history likely to follow him as he attempts to forge a new path in life.

Upon the premiere of season 1, viewers flocked to social media to engage in discussions about Goldberg's mental health, debating whether he fits the profile of a psychopath or a sociopath. Throughout all the seasons, he has not been formally diagnosed with any specific mental health condition.

Differences between a psychopath and a sociopath

Sociopath The terms sociopath and psychopath are frequently used interchangeably; however, they possess distinct differences. Sociopathy is commonly regarded as an informal designation for antisocial personality disorder (APD), whereas psychopathy lacks an official classification.

"Sociopaths typically exhibit symptoms that are more closely associated with APD, although psychopathy can also encompass some of these traits," stated Hannah Owens, Mental Health Editor for Verywell Mind. "It is significant to accurately label someone as either a sociopath or a psychopath; failing to differentiate between the two and using the terms interchangeably is not beneficial for either party."

As reported by Verywell Mind, psychopaths tend to have little to no conscience but can adhere to social norms when necessary. In contrast, sociopaths possess a limited capacity for empathy and remorse, and they are "more prone to explosive reactions and violent behavior when faced with the repercussions of their actions," according to the publication.

Is Joe Goldberg a psychopath or a sociopath?

Goldberg Although he has never received a formal diagnosis, many fans of You on social media speculate that he may be a psychopath. Nevertheless, mental health professionals contend that his psychological profile is more nuanced.

"People often use the term 'psychopath' informally to label someone whose actions violate societal norms and traditional notions of morality," stated Kelly Scott, a therapist at Tribeca Therapy in Manhattan, in an interview with Insider. "From a clinical standpoint, the term 'psychopath' lacks specific meaning."

Scott further noted that the closest clinical classification to "psychopath" or "sociopath" is antisocial personality disorder, and it is evident that Goldberg exhibits certain traits associated with this condition. Additionally, experts suggest that he may also display characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder, as reported by Insider.

Pamela Rutledge, a social scientist who studies the interplay between media, human behavior, and neuroscience, explained that pinpointing a single mental disorder for Goldberg is challenging due to the nature of You as a television creation. Rutledge remarked that Goldberg "appears to be a blend of personality traits at extreme levels, designed to craft a compelling narrative and develop a character that evokes a degree of empathy" from the audience, despite his violent actions. In reality, very few individuals with mental health issues behave in such a manner.

Goldberg initially presents himself as a charming individual, which may indicate narcissistic tendencies. Rutledge posits that his behavior reflects symptoms of mental health disorders such as antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes referred to as sociopathy, is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent disregard for right and wrong, along with a lack of respect for the rights and feelings of others." The clinic also describes narcissistic personality disorder as a "mental health condition where individuals possess an excessively inflated sense of their own significance and actively seek validation."

Goldberg seems to embody both conditions as he is violent when he thinks someone has wronged him, a common justification people with both illnesses often make. For instance, Goldberg killed Benji, his love interest Guinevere Beck's boyfriend, in You season 1, and also Beck's best friend Peach, because both interfered with his relationship with Beck. He committed the murders for his own benefit, and shows no remorse. In this case, he committed the crimes in an attempt to get closer to Beck, which, according to Scott, suggests he could be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder.

Ramani Durvasula, a professor of psychology at California State University, Los Angeles, and a licensed clinical psychologist, previously told Insider that extreme charisma is a red flag that an individual could be narcissistic. Goldberg’s charm in You is undeniable.

"I always tell people: Pay attention when there's too much on the front end," Durvasula said. "I know it seems fun and romantic, but it's probably a trainwreck waiting to happen."

Scott also noted that Goldberg's history and actions in season 2 suggest he may be experiencing an attachment disorder as well. "Joe [Goldberg] serves as a prime example of misdiagnosis," Scott remarked. "If he were my patient in season 1, he might be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, but a deeper analysis reveals that his behavior is more indicative of trauma symptoms rather than antisocial personality disorder."

"Mental health is inherently nuanced," Scott continued. "Diagnoses are rarely straightforward, and disorders often overlap. It's not as simple as a strep test that yields a definitive 'yes' or 'no.'"

Scott emphasized that not everyone with antisocial personality disorder or an attachment disorder exhibits violent behavior. "You don't need to commit murder to receive that diagnosis," he explained. "It can manifest in non-physical ways, such as in parenting, where a parent may use their child to fulfill their own needs, ultimately harming the child's well-being."

"[Goldberg] formed an attachment to his mother, who was unresponsive to his needs, inconsistent, and unsafe for him," Scott elaborated. "He is portrayed as isolated in the world, having been abused and neglected by his mother."

As he matures, Goldberg develops an obsessive attachment to women, even resorting to stalking when he believes they can provide what he desires. In a scene from season 2, Goldberg appears horrified upon discovering that his landlord Delilah has been murdered, and he even states that he would refrain from killing Forty, despite his hatred for him, because Forty is significant to Love, Goldberg's partner. Scott indicated that these moments imply Goldberg may possess some degree of empathy.

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