Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Symptoms and Characteristics
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a cluster B personality disorder. This means that one with a cluster B PD may behave in dramatic and/or erratic ways. For those with ASPD, this may be expressed in the form of acting on one's impulses and, for example, breaking the law.
Symptoms of ASPD may include:
Physical aggression, hostility or violence toward others
Reckless or impulsive behaviour
Breaking the law or disregarding rules and social norms
Feeling angry, more powerful or better than others
Using wit, flattery and charm to manipulate, lie or deceive others for personal gain or enjoyment
Not taking responsibility for actions or behaviours
Not showing remorse, regret or concern for behaviours
However, it is worth noting that some pwASPD may be able to take responsibility for actions and/or behaviours caused by the disorder. Everyone with ASPD is different, as with every other disorder, so one person with ASPD may be able to take responsibility for their actions, while another person with ASPD may not be able to.
The onset of Antisocial Personality Disorder is at the age of 15. Prior to this, one is usually diagnosed with Conduct Disorder (CD). If treatment for CD is begun early, it is likely that it won't develop into ASPD in the future. However, if it is not treated and behaviours do not improve, when the pwCD turns 18, their diagnosis is changed to ASPD.
There are many different factors in developing ASPD. A leading factor is brain biology; specifically, changes to the serotonin levels in one's brain may play a part in the development of ASPD. Genetics also contribute to the formation of the disorder - if you have/had a relative with antisocial traits, you are more likely to develop it as well (as with many other disorders). Head trauma may also be a factor.
