Individuals with Personality Disorders

What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Otherwise known as, ASPD.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a long-term pattern of disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and a tendency to violate societal norms and laws. People with ASPD often show a pattern of manipulation, deceit, and impulsive behavior. They may not feel guilt or remorse for their harmful actions and often have difficulty maintaining relationships or holding down jobs.

In order to be diagonsed with ASPD, a person must have a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others since age 15. They must be 18 years of age. Prior to this, they would be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder.

Other Cluster B Disorders

How Are They Different?

The other Cluster B personality disorders are Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), and Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD).

BPD is marked by intense and unstable emotions, relationships, and self-image. People with BPD often experience extreme mood swings, fear of abandonment, and difficulty with self-identity.

People with BPD are not generally manipulative or deceitful for personal gain (as in ASPD), but they experience emotional instability and struggle with their self-image and relationships. Manipulative behavior stems from a frantic need to do anything to ensure they will not be alone.

NPD involves a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. People with NPD have an inflated sense of their own worth and expect special treatment.

While both NPD and ASPD involve a lack of empathy, those with NPD seek admiration and validation, often through grandiosity, while those with ASPD may not care about others' opinions or seek admiration at all—they are more focused on exploiting others for personal gain.

HPD is characterized by attention-seeking behavior, emotional overreaction, and a need to be the center of attention. People with HPD are often dramatic, excessively emotional, and may engage in behaviors to draw attention to themselves.

While ASPD involves a disregard for others' rights and impulsivity, HPD is more focused on gaining attention and validation through emotional displays and behavior. People with HPD might be dramatic or theatrical, but they don't necessarily engage in harmful behaviors or violate others' rights in the same way someone with ASPD might.

What does ASPD look like in...

Men?

In men, ASPD is typically more overt and linked to behaviors that are easier to identify. They are more prone to physical aggression and violence, which can be the hallmark of the disorder. Impulsive behaviors, such as reckless driving, substance abuse or gambling are more commonly observed in men. They may lie or con others for personal gain -- especially involving manipulation in business or social settings. They often disregard or challenge authority figures, and have a history of conflicts with the law.

Women?

ASPD can be harder to detect in women due to the difference in how it manifests. Women tend to exhibit more covert and relationally manipulative traits. Rather than physical aggression, they may use verbal aggression, manipulation, or relational aggression to get their way. They might exploit relationships for personal gain using charm or emotional manipulation to control others. Their high-risk impulse activities are less overtly criminal, such as promiscuity, substance abuse, or financial mismanagement.