Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder is a mental illness that involves a
pattern of disregard for or violation of the rights of others. Deceit and
manipulation to gain personal profit or pleasure are common behaviors by people
with this disorder.
A person with antisocial personality disorder fails to conform to
social norms and may repeatedly participate in destructive, illegal activity,
such as property damage, cruelty to animals, setting fires, or harassing
others. Important decisions, such as ending a relationship or changing a job,
may be made suddenly and without much consideration about the
consequences.
Those with antisocial personality disorder tend to be irritable and
aggressive and may repeatedly get into physical fights or physically or
verbally abuse another person such as a spouse or child. Irresponsible work
behavior and financial habits are common. Little remorse is shown for harmful
behaviors.
Antisocial personality disorder usually develops during childhood
or early adolescence and continues into adulthood.
Last Revised:
March 14, 2011
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry