Antisocial Personality Disord... : Articles

Antisocial personality disorder is a psychiatric condition in which a person manipulates, exploits, or violates the rights of others. This behavior is often criminal.

Also known as psychopathy, sociopathy or dyssocial personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a diagnosis applied to persons who routinely behave with little or no regard for the rights, safety or feelings of others. This pattern of behavior is seen in children or young adolescents and persists into adulthood. The most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (the fourth edition, text revision or DSM-IV-TR ) classifies APD as one of four "Cluster B Personality Disorders" along with borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders .

Understanding Personality DisordersYou may think of your "personality" as the self you show to others. But personality is more than a nice smile or sense of humor.

Antisocial behavior is that which is verbally or physically harmful to other people, animals, or property, including behavior that severely violates social expectations for a given environment. Antisocial personality disorder in adults is also referred to as sociopathy or psychopathy.

A behavior disorder developed by a small percentage of children with conduct disorder whose behavior does not improve as they mature. Also known as sociopathy or psychopathy. About 3% of males and 1% of females develop antisocial personality disorder, which is essentially the adult version of childhood conduct disorder. Antisocial personality disorder is only diagnosed in people over age 18, the symptoms are similar to those of conduct disorder, and the criteria for diagnosis include the onset of conduct disorder before the age of 15. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM- IV), people with antisocial personality disorder demonstrate a pattern of antisocial behavior since age 15. The adult with antisocial personality disorder displays at least three of the following behaviors: Fails to conform to social norms, as indicated by frequently performing illegal acts, and pursuing illegal occupations. Is deceitful and manipulative of others, often in order to obtain money, sex, or drugs. Is impulsive, holding a succession of jobs or residences. Is irritable or aggressive, engaging in physical fights. Exhibits reckless disregard for safety of self or others, misusing motor vehicles or playing with fire. Is consistently irresponsible, failing to find or sustain work or to pay bills and debts. Demonstrates lack of remorse for the harm his or her behavior causes others. An individual diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder will demonstrate few of his or her own feelings beyond contempt for others. This lack of affect is strangely combined with an inflated sense of self-worth and often a superficial charm, which tends to mask their inner apathy. Authorities have linked antisocial personality disorder with abuse, either physical or sexual, during childhood, neurological disorders (which are often undiagnosed), and low IQ. Those with a parent with an antisocial personality disorder or substance abuse problem are more likely to develop the disorder. The antisocially disordered person may be poverty-stricken, homeless, a substance abuser, or have an extensive criminal record. Antisocial personality disorder is associated with low socioeconomic status and urban settings.