What Is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Antisocial Personality Disorder results in what is commonly known as a Sociopath. The numbers of persons with this disorder are much higher than generally thought, with nearly 6% of men and over 1% of women having this disorder. The criteria for this disorder require an ongoing disregard for the rights of others, since the age of 15 years. Some examples of this disregard are reckless disregard for the safety of themselves or others, failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, deceitfulness such as repeated lying or deceit for personal profit or pleasure, and lack of remorse for actions that hurt other people in any way. Additionally, they must have evidenced a Conduct Disorder before the age of 15 years, and must be at least 18 years old to receive this diagnosis.

People with this disorder appear to be charming at times, and make relationships, but to them, these are relationships in name only. They are ended whenever necessary or when it suits them, and the relationships are without depth or meaning, including marriages. They seem to have an innate ability to find the weakness in people, and are ready to use these weaknesses to their own ends through deceit, manipulation, or intimidation, and gain pleasure from doing so.

They appear to be incapable of any true emotions, from love to shame to guilt. They are quick to anger, but just as quick to let it go, without holding grudges. No matter what emotion they state they have, it has no bearing on their future actions or attitudes.

They rarely are able to have jobs that last for any length of time, as they become easily bored, instead needing constant change. They live for the moment, forgetting the past, and not planning the future, not thinking ahead what consequences their actions will have. They want immediate rewards and gratification.

Treating antisocial personality disorder can be difficult as those with this disorder may have little or no desire to change themselves, which is a prerequisite. No medication is available either. Appropriate treatments for antisocial personality disorder include group psychotherapy, having feedback from peers, and constructive confrontation of inappropriate behaviors.

continue: Diagnostic Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder

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Reviewed: 04/2006