Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of irresponsible, impulsive or often criminal behaviors.
A person with ASPD is typically deceitful, manipulative or reckless. They consistently show no regard for the law, what is right or wrong, or the rights or feelings of others. Someone with ASPD generally has no guilt or remorse for the harm they have caused others.
Individuals with this disorder can also be very charming or charismatic, traits they often use to manipulate people.
Additional signs and symptoms of ASPD can include having a history of:
- Lying persistently
- Having poor or abusive relationships
- Having difficulty sustaining long-term relationships
- Not caring for the safety of others or oneself
- Never accepting responsibility and blaming others for one’s problems
- Failing to fulfill money, work or social duties
- Repeatedly breaking the law
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
- Being irritable or aggressive
It is not known why some people develop antisocial personality disorder and others do not. Genetic factors and traumatic childhood experiences such as child abuse are believed to play a role. Men are more likely to develop the disorder than women.
Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed by a mental health provider who conducts a psychological evaluation that explores behavior patterns, family history, relationship patterns, medical history as well as symptoms listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of ASPD, do not hesitate to get help. You can schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, by calling (718) 670-5562.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.