Antisocial Personality Disorder

Discover Whether or Not This Personality Disorder is a Problem for You!

The main feature of Antisocial Personality Disorder is a "pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others." This disorder typically begins in childhood or early adolescence.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), antisocial personality symptoms are as follows…

Three or more of these symptoms need to be present:

• Disrespecting the law by continually participating in unlawful activities that result in arrest.
• Constant lying, deceitfulness, or conning others for personal gain.
• Impulsive acts and failure to plan ahead.
• Irritable and aggressive behavior as evidenced by physical fighting/assaults.
• Lack of concern for the safety of oneself or of another person as evidenced by reckless behavior.
• Constant irresponsibility with work or financial duties.
• Difficulty with feeling remorse when he or she has hurt, stolen, or mistreated another person. Will attempt to rationalize their behavior.

If you feel that you may have a antisocial personality, talk to a local therapist or doctor about your concerns. Keep in mind, in order to be diagnosed with this condition, this disorder has to take up a significant part of your daily living. In other words, if your symptoms haven't caused several problems with the law, in your relationships, or with your career/job, then it's unlikely that this disorder is an issue.

However, it's not uncommon to have a few of these symptoms at one point in your life! Just remember, it has to be severe enough that it has affected your ability to function in a logical, respectful manner.

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