Antisocial personality disorder is a complex condition carrying high rates of comorbidity and mortality for individuals as well as harmful consequences for their families and society.
ASPD is a mental health condition. People with ASPD show a lack of respect toward others. They don’t follow socially accepted norms or rules. People with ASPD may break the law or cause physical or emotional harm to the people around them.
The current criteria for ASPD, as described in DSM–IV, include a behavioral pattern that begins before age 15 and comprises at least three of the following behaviors:
• Repeated criminal acts
• Deceitfulness
• Impulsiveness
• Repeated fights or assaults
• Disregard for the safety of others
• Irresponsibility
• Lack of remorse
Individuals with ASPD often present to primary care in midlife with anxiety or depression, and may be considered for treatment in secondary mental health services.
There is no single cause of ASPD, but the following factors may increase a person’s risk of developing the disorder:
*Biology: People with ASPD may have unusual levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that regulates our mood and feelings of happiness.
*Environment: Trauma or abuse early in childhood increases the risk of developing ASPD later in life.
*Genetics: There may be some genetics factors that can predispose some individuals to develop ASPD. However, there is no one genetic factor that is thought to be responsible for the condition.
*Lifestyle: About half of people with ASPD also have problems with drug or alcohol abuse.
*Sex: Men are more likely than women to develop ASPD.
ASPD is a common condition, with the general population prevalence in men ranging from 1% to 6%. Studies in the UK report a prevalence of between 2% and 3% in the general population.
Dissocial/antisocial personality disorder
The current criteria for ASPD, as described in DSM–IV, include a behavioral pattern that begins before age 15 and comprises at least three of the following behaviors:
• Repeated criminal acts
• Deceitfulness
• Impulsiveness
• Repeated fights or assaults
• Disregard for the safety of others
• Irresponsibility
• Lack of remorse
Individuals with ASPD often present to primary care in midlife with anxiety or depression, and may be considered for treatment in secondary mental health services.
There is no single cause of ASPD, but the following factors may increase a person’s risk of developing the disorder:
*Biology: People with ASPD may have unusual levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that regulates our mood and feelings of happiness.
*Environment: Trauma or abuse early in childhood increases the risk of developing ASPD later in life.
*Genetics: There may be some genetics factors that can predispose some individuals to develop ASPD. However, there is no one genetic factor that is thought to be responsible for the condition.
*Lifestyle: About half of people with ASPD also have problems with drug or alcohol abuse.
*Sex: Men are more likely than women to develop ASPD.
ASPD is a common condition, with the general population prevalence in men ranging from 1% to 6%. Studies in the UK report a prevalence of between 2% and 3% in the general population.
Dissocial/antisocial personality disorder
