Antisocial personality disorder

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others. Individuals with ASPD often exhibit a lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, deceitfulness, impulsivity, and aggression. The disorder typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and can lead to significant legal problems, drug and alcohol misuse, and interpersonal difficulties.

Signs and Symptoms

Individuals with ASPD may display some or all of the following symptoms:

• Disregard for social norms and rules
• Deceitfulness, lying, and manipulation
• Impulsive behavior
• Irritability and aggression
• Lack of remorse or guilt
• Irresponsibility and failure to fulfill obligations
• Repeated criminal acts
• Disregard for the safety of self and others

Causes

The exact causes of ASPD are not well understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. Risk factors include:

• Family history of ASPD or other personality disorders
• Exposure to violence in the home or community
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• Neglect or inconsistent parenting

Diagnosis

ASPD is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Diagnosis requires the presence of at least three of the following criteria:

• Disregard for social norms and rules
• Deceitfulness, lying, and manipulation
• Impulsive behavior
• Irritability and aggression
• Lack of remorse or guilt
• Irresponsibility and failure to fulfill obligations
• Repeated criminal acts

Treatment

Treatment for ASPD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medications, and social support. Common approaches include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Schema Therapy
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT)
• Medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with ASPD is variable and depends on the severity of the disorder, the presence of comorbid conditions, and the individual's willingness to engage in treatment. Some individuals with ASPD may improve with treatment and support, while others may continue to struggle with interpersonal relationships, legal issues, and substance abuse. Early intervention and consistent treatment can improve the overall prognosis for individuals with ASPD.

Epidemiology

ASPD is estimated to affect between 0.2% and 3.3% of the general population, with higher prevalence rates among males. The disorder is more commonly diagnosed in individuals involved with the criminal justice system, with prevalence rates ranging from 47% to 80% in male prisoners and 21% to 27% in female prisoners.

History

Antisocial Personality Disorder was first described in the early 19th century by psychiatrists who recognized a pattern of antisocial behavior and moral depravity in some of their patients. The term "sociopathy" was introduced in the 1930s to describe this group of individuals. The modern diagnosis of ASPD was established with the publication of the DSM-III in 1980, which included specific diagnostic criteria for the disorder.

See Also

• Psychopathy
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Histrionic Personality Disorder

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Black, D. W., & Blum, N. (2015). Antisocial personality disorder. In The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry (6th ed., pp. 933-949). American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Fazel, S., & Danesh, J. (2002). Serious mental disorder in 23 000 prisoners: a systematic review of 62 surveys. The Lancet, 359(9306), 545-550.
• Millon, T., & Davis, R. D. (1996). Disorders of personality: DSM-IV and beyond. New York: Wiley.

External Links

• National Institute of Mental Health: Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Mayo Clinic: Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Psychology Today: Antisocial Personality Disorder

Summary

A personality disorder characterized by amorality and lack of affect; capable of violent acts without guilt feelings (`psychopathic personality' was once widely used but was superseded by `sociopathic personality' to indicate the social aspects of the disorder, but now `antisocial personality disorder' is the preferred term)

Antisocial personality disorder Resources
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Classification	ICD-11: 6D11.2 ICD-10: F60.2 ICD-9-CM: 301.7 MeSH: D000987
External resources	MedlinePlus: 000921