Psychology Issues and Debates

Types of Antisocial Disorders

Antisocial personality disorder (APD or ASPD) facts

• A personality disorder (PD) is a persistent pattern of internal experience and behavior that markedly differs from what is considered normal within the person's own culture.
• Personality disorders are grouped into clusters A, B, and C based on the dominating symptoms.
• Antisocial personality disorder is a diagnosis that is characterized by an enduring pattern of disregarding and violating the rights of others with symptoms having been present since 15 years of age and may include symptoms like breaking laws, repeated deceitfulness, starting fights, a lack of regard for their own safety or the safety of others, a lack of guilt and taking personal responsibility, a tendency to act impulsively, and irritability.
• Although not a formal diagnosis, psychopathy is thought to be a more severe form of antisocial personality disorder. Specifically, in order to be considered a psychopath, a person must have a lack of remorse or guilt about their actions in addition to demonstrating antisocial behaviors.
• Psychopaths tend to be highly suspicious or paranoid, even in comparison to individuals with antisocial personality disorder, which tends to lead the psychopathic person to interpret all aggression toward them as being arbitrary and unfair.
• Antisocial personality disorder is likely the result of a combination of biologic/genetic and environmental factors.
• Some theories about the biological risk factors for antisocial personality disorder include the malfunction of certain genes, hormones, or parts of the brain.
• Diagnoses often associated with antisocial personality disorder include substance-related disorders,, and reading disorders.
• Theories regarding the life circumstances that increase the risk for developing antisocial personality disorder include a history of childhood physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; neglect, deprivation, or abandonment; associating with peers who engage in antisocial behavior; or having a parent who is either antisocial or alcoholic.
• Since there is no specific definitive test that can accurately diagnose antisocial personality disorder...