Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Pamela Newsome

August 13, 2011

BEH/225

Lilia Leshan

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Signs and Symptoms

People with antisocial personality disorder may include:

* Lack of remorse or empathy for others

* Poor behavioral controls—expressions of irritability, annoyance, impatience, threats, aggression, and verbal abuse; inadequate control of anger and temper

* A history of childhood conduct disorder

* Disregard for safety

* Persistent lying or stealing

* Cruelty to animals

* Recurring difficulties with the law

* Tendency to violate the boundaries and rights of others

* Inability to tolerate boredom

* Substance abuse

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) (Fourth Edition)

The DSM is a widely used manual for diagnosing mental disorders, and defines antisocial personality disorder as:

A. There is a pervasive pattern for and disregard for the rights of others occurring since the age of 15, is indicated by three or more of the following:

1. Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors in indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;

2. Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;

3. Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead;

4. Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;

5. Reckless disregard for safety of self or others;

6. Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations;

7. Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having...