Antisocial Personality Disorder

Definition

Definition of Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is described by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fourth edition (DSM-IV-TR), as an Axis II personality disorder characterized by "...a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood."

Symptoms

Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder
A person with antisocial personality disorder may:

1. Be able to act witty and charming
2. Be good at flattery and manipulating other people's emotions
3. Break the law repeatedly
4. Disregard the safety of self and others
5. Have problems with substance abuse
6. Lie, steal, and fight often
7. Not show guilt or remorse
8. Often be angry or arrogant

Causes

Causes of Antisocial Personality Disorder
The causes of antisocial personality disorder are unknown. Genetic factors and child abuse are believed to contribute to the development of this condition. People with an antisocial or alcoholic parent are at increased risk. Far more men than women are affected. The condition is common in people who are in prison.

Fire-setting and cruelty to animals during childhood are linked to the development of antisocial personality.

Some people believe that psychopathic personality (psychopathy) is the same disorder. Others believe that psychopathic personality is a similar but more severe disorder.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder
Like other personality disorders, antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of symptoms. To be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, a person must have had conduct disorder during childhood.

Treatment

Treatment of Antisocial Personality Disorder
To date there have been no controlled studies reported which found an effective treatment for ASPD, although contingency management programs, or a reward system, has been shown moderately effective for behavioral change. There has been some research on the treatment of ASPD that showed positive results for therapeutic interventions. Some studies have found that the presence of ASPD does not significantly interfere with treatment for other disorders, such as substance abuse, although others have reported contradictory findings. Schema Therapy is being investigated as a treatment for antisocial personality disorder.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder
Symptoms tend to peak during the late teenage years and early 20s. They sometimes improve on their own by a person's 40s.

Prevention

Prevention of Antisocial Personality Disorder
Consult with your doctor.