From the Research
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is diagnosed when an individual shows a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15, as indicated by at least three of the following criteria: failure to conform to social norms concerning lawful behaviors; deceitfulness or repeated lying; impulsivity or failure to plan ahead; irritability and aggressiveness with repeated physical fights or assaults; reckless disregard for safety of self or others; consistent irresponsibility in work or financial obligations; and lack of remorse for harming others. The diagnostic criteria for ASPD, as supported by the most recent study 1, require a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified mental health professional, typically a psychiatrist or psychologist, as there are no laboratory tests for ASPD.
Key Diagnostic Criteria
- The individual must be at least 18 years old
- Evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15
- These behaviors cannot occur exclusively during schizophrenia or bipolar disorder episodes
- At least three of the following criteria must be present:
- Failure to conform to social norms concerning lawful behaviors
- Deceitfulness or repeated lying
- Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
- Irritability and aggressiveness with repeated physical fights or assaults
- Reckless disregard for safety of self or others
- Consistent irresponsibility in work or financial obligations
- Lack of remorse for harming others According to 2, psychosocial interventions are the first option, with possible improvement of callous-unemotional traits, beyond behavioral and affective symptoms, particularly if implemented early during development.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Intervention
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial as ASPD can significantly impact an individual's life functioning and relationships, as highlighted in 3 and 1. The study 1 found that individuals with both Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) and ASPD were more likely to be younger, started drinking at an earlier age, had higher hospitalization rates, and scored higher on the AUDIT test.
Comorbidities and Associated Risk Factors
Comorbidities such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems are common in individuals with ASPD, as noted in 4 and 1. Understanding the associated risk factors can aid in developing more targeted treatment interventions, as implied in 1.