How Antisocial Personality Disorder is Diagnosed: Key Signs and Symptoms

Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a condition characterized by a long-term pattern of disregard for and violation of other people's rights. People with ASPD often manipulate or treat others harshly without feeling remorseful for their actions. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and options for diagnosis and treatment can help those affected get the help they need.

Defining the Disorder

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), the leading resource for diagnosis of mental health conditions, a person with ASPD shows a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood. This means they display a range of behaviors that typically include:

• Failure to conform to social norms and lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
• Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
• Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
• Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
• Reckless disregard for safety of self or others
• Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain work behaviors or honor financial obligations
• Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another

Common Signs and Symptoms

In addition to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5, some common signs and symptoms of ASPD to look out for include:

• Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others
• Being callous, cynical and disrespectful of others
• Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or personal pleasure
• Arrogance, a sense of superiority and being extremely opinionated
• Recurring problems with the law, including criminal behavior
• Repeatedly violating the rights of others through intimidation and dishonesty
• Impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead
• Hostility, significant irritability, agitation, aggression or violence
• Lack of empathy for others and lack of remorse about harming others
• Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behavior with no regard for the safety of self or others
• Poor or abusive relationships
• Failure to consider the negative consequences of behavior or learn from them
• Being consistently irresponsible and repeatedly failing to fulfill work or financial obligations

What Causes Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Researchers don't know exactly what causes antisocial personality disorder. Like many mental health conditions, ASPD likely arises from a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors. Contributing factors may include:

• Genetics. ASPD does seem to run in families, so inherited traits may play a role.
• Environmental factors. Factors such as child abuse, exposure to violence, unstable home environments, harsh discipline, and neglect have been linked to the development of ASPD symptoms later in life.
• Brain differences. Some research has shown differences in certain areas of the brain in people with ASPD compared

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.