Antisocial Personality Disorder

What is it?

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition marked by a longstanding pattern of manipulating, exploiting, and violating others’ rights, often with a lack of remorse. People with ASPD tend to tend to act on impulse without considering the consequences, and they anger easily. These behaviors must begin before age 15, often starting with a diagnosis of Conduct Disorder.

How common is it?

ASPD affects about 2-3% of adults worldwide. However, this estimate doesn’t include people in prison. ASPD occurs 3-5 times more in men than in women. ASPD often co-occurs with other conditions. Common ones include substance use disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and ADHD.

How is it treated?

No evidence-based treatment exists for ASPD itself. However, treating conduct disorder at a young age is one of the best ways to prevent the development of ASPD. Sometimes, people with ASPD seek treatment for other mental health conditions.  If ASPD symptoms come up, treatment can shift to a supportive focus. For example, they may work on reducing conflict, coping with anger, and controlling impulsive behaviors.

Learn More from Our Member Organizations:

For in-depth, evidence-based information on antisocial PD, visit:

• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) – Resources on effective behavioral treatments and therapist directories.

• American Psychological Association, Division 12: Society of Clinical Psychology – Research summaries on personality disorders and empirically supported treatments.
  

TL;DR: Antisocial Personality Disorder is a complex mental health condition that begins early in life. Although no formal treatment exists, therapy can reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. This is done by targeting impulsivity, emotion regulation, and conflict with others.

Author: Emily Andrews

Edited by: Destiny Wright