Antisocial Personality Disorder @ Mental Health

"Antisocial Personality Disorder is a condition characterized by persistent disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood. Deceit, manipulation and exploitation of others are central features of this disorder. For this diagnosis to be given, the individual must be at least 18, and must have had some symptoms of Conduct Disorder (i.e., delinquency) before age 15. This disorder is only diagnosed when these behaviors become persistent and very disabling or distressing. This disorder should not be diagnosed if its symptoms occur exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder, or if it is attributable to Substance Use Disorder or another medical condition.

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder grow up being lawless and impulsive. The core features of this disorder are: (1) antagonism (manipulativeness, callousness, deceitfulness, hostility), and (2) disinhibition (risk taking, impulsivity, irresponsibility). This disorder is only diagnosed if: (1) the individual is at least 18, (2) these behaviors occur at home, work, and in the community, and (3) these behaviors lead to clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

In childhood, these individuals usually have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (towards parents and teachers) which develops into Conduct Disorder (delinquency) in adolescence. This delinquency takes the form of reckless thrill-seeking, physical violence (towards people or animals), and law-breaking. These individuals become the school bullies, thieves, vandals, and drug-dealers. Most adolescent delinquents grow out of this behavior as they enter adulthood. However, those that increase their delinquent behavior as they enter adulthood have their diagnosis changed from Conduct Disorder to Antisocial Personality Disorder. "

Check out the checklist for AsPD @ Mental Health