Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

Does your loved one persistently lie to you or steal from you? Do you get the feeling that they have no remorse for hurting you?

Does your loved one have a childhood diagnosis of conduct disorder?

Are your fearful of your safety? Is your loved one prone to violence and/or aggressive behavior?

Is your loved one unable to keep and maintain friendships?

Have you noticed that your loved one has an extreme sense of entitlement, often putting your needs last or not considering them at all?

Do you believe your loved one when they compliment you, or does it seem superficial and manipulative?

Is your loved one reckless and impulsive? Does it seem as they have no self control? Do they have recurring difficulties with the law because of this?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may possibly be dealing with somebody who suffers from Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

Unlike the other Axis II Cluster B disorders described here, people with Antisocial Personality Disorder are somewhat easier to spot than those with other Axis II Cluster B Disorders, because their behaviors often get them in trouble with institutions and individuals outside of the family. People with ASPD can appear to others as if they just don’t care about anybody or anything but themselves.

Because of their destructive behaviors, people with ASPD can be viewed judgmentally by others and with little sympathy. Their families - and in particular their parents can come under criticism and are often blamed for poor upbringing or a lack of morality. Such simplistic criticism is often the result of an ignorance of the mental disorder ASPD.

A convincing academy award-winning portrayal of a young woman suffering from ASPD was given by Angelina Jolie who played the role of Lisa Rowe in the 1999 movie Girl, Interrupted.

But there is hope! You are not alone! You don’t have to figure all this out by yourself! There are lots of people who have faced or are facing similar circumstances. Some of them are right here on this site. We strongly urge you to read some of the stories, learn about coping with this devastating illness and ask your own questions at our message board.

ASPD Characteristics - The DSM-IV Criteria

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is listed in the DSM-IV-TR as a "Cluster B" (dramatic, emotional, or erratic) Personality Disorder.

Text in Bold Italics is quoted from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic & Statistical Manual (DSM-IV)

DSM-IV CRITERIA FOR ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:

1.  Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
2. Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated 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 steady work or honor financial obligations
7.  Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another

The manual lists the following additional necessary criteria:

• The individual is at least 18 years of age.
• There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years.
• The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or a manic episode.

Understanding the clinical criteria for ASPD is helpful but learning how to cope with having a loved-one who suffers from ASPD is quite different and is not covered in any psychological manual. One of the most effective ways we have found to deal with that is to get support from people who understand what it feels like to confront an antisocial's behaviors, who know the pain of picking up the peices left by a person who has ASPD and have learned together how to cope and stop the abusive cycle.

For More Information & Support...

If you suspect you may have a family member or partner who suffers from a personality disorder, we encourage you to learn all you can and surround yourself with support as you learn how to cope.

• Support Forum - Read real stories. Ask questions.
• Behaviors & Traits of people with PD's.
• Non-PD Toolbox - Coping ideas. Common mistakes.
• Personality Disorder Glossary - Learn the lingo.
• Links to PD- related sites.
• Books about personality disorders.

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