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Alternative names
Psychopathic personality; Sociopathic personality; Personality disorder - antisocialDefinition Return to top
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.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Personality disorders are chronic behavioral and relationship patterns that intefere with a person's life over many years. To receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, a person must have first had 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 increased risk. Far more men than women are affected, and unsurprisingly, the condition is common in prison populations.
Symptoms Return to top
A person with antisocial personality disorder:Signs and tests Return to top
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 at manipulating the emotions of others. People with antisocial personality disorder often have extensive substance abuse and legal problems.
Treatment Return to top
Antisocial personality disorder is considered one of the most difficult of all 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) Return to top
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 Return to top
Complications can include incarceration and drug abuse.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
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.
Update Date: 2/1/2003 Updated by: David Taylor, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |