Health Encyclopedia

Antisocial personality disorder

Definition

Antisocial personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by chronic behavior that manipulates, exploits, or violates the rights of others. This behavior is often criminal.

Alternative Names

Psychopathic personality; Sociopathic personality; Personality disorder - antisocial

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Personality disorders are chronic behavioral and relationship patterns that interfere with a person's life over many years. To receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, a person must have exhibited behavior that qualifies for a diagnosis of conduct disorder during childhood.

The cause of antisocial personality disorder is unknown, but 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, and unsurprisingly, the condition is common in prison populations.

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

Symptoms

A person with antisocial personality disorder:

Breaks the law repeatedly
Lies, steals, and fights often
Disregards the safety of self and others
Demonstrates a lack of guilt
Had a childhood diagnosis (or symptoms consistent with) conduct disorder

Signs and tests

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder are often angry and arrogant, but may be capable of superficial wit and charm. They may be adept at flattery and manipulating the emotions of others. People with antisocial personality disorder often have extensive substance abuse and legal problems.

Treatment

Antisocial personality disorder is one of the most difficult personality disorders to treat. Individuals rarely seek treatment on their own and may only initiate therapy when mandated by a court. The efficacy of treatment for antisocial personality disorder is largely unknown.

Expectations (prognosis)

Symptoms tend to peak during the late teenage years and early 20's and may improve on their own by a person's 40's.

Complications

Complications can include incarceration and drug abuse.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with a mental health professional if you have symptoms suggestive of antisocial personality disorder, or if your child exhibits behaviors that indicate a risk for developing this disorder.

Review Date:11/15/2006
Reviewed By:Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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