PsychNest - ASPD

What Is Antisocial Personality?

Despite its name, Antisocial Personality does not mean someone who dislikes crowds or has social anxiety. Also referred to as Dissocial Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of a disregard for the rights of others and violation of societal norms and rules. They consistently fail to conform to social norms and may engage in behaviors that are deemed unethical or illegal by society.

Symptoms of ASPD typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood. Before the age of 15, many individuals with ASPD may have exhibited conduct disorder, a precursor to ASPD. People with ASPD often exhibit a range of behaviors that can be harmful to themselves and others.

Diagnostic Criteria: Symptoms and Examples

An individual must be at least eighteen years of age and meet 3 out of 7 requirements. These patterns must persist for years, affecting their overall quality of life.

Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest

This doesn’t always mean that someone with ASPD will get arrested or even have a history of criminal activity but many do. They may destroy property, disregard traffic laws, harass others, steal, or pursue otherwise illegal obligations. They hate feeling controlled and usually despite authority figures or government.

People with ASPD engage in behaviors that suit them without much concern for whether or not it's legal. Now, people can commit crimes for different reasons but what sets this personality apart is that these behaviors aren’t modifiable by negative consequences (like prison) or punishments. They have a hard time learning from their mistakes and show little concern for the repercussions of their actions.

2. Deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure

Individuals with ASPD can exhibit a chronic pattern of deceitfulness in order to reach their goals (for example: money, revenge, etc). This hallmark symptom is not limited solely to small lies, they may also engage in elaborative schemes to gain material rewards, power, or status. Additionally, using aliases can allow them to infiltrate different social circles, control a situation more effectively, or gain trust. Their behavior is not typically seen as a response to stressors but instead is a characteristic pattern of functioning. Lying is seen as a tool to achieve their goals.

The act of deceiving others isn't always about material gain. For some, seeing other people fall for their cons or schemes can be a form of personal entertainment or amusement. They may enjoy the power dynamic and challenge of successfully pulling off a scam. The ability to fool someone without them ever realizing it can be a source of pride. In this case, satisfaction is tied more to their ability to outsmart others rather than tangible rewards.

3. Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead

Decisions are made on the spur of the moment, without forethought and without consideration for the consequences to self or others; this may lead to sudden changes of jobs, residences, or relationships without a plan. They are incapable of planning ahead. People with ASPD can also experience chronic boredom, especially with routines, which is why they may engage in risky behaviors.

The most frequent manifestations of impulsive behavior involve but are not limited to: reckless driving, substance abuse, poor spending habits, unsafe sex, and getting into physical or verbal aggressions by lashing out. Overall, this personality type seeks thrills.

4. Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults

An occasional fight or an act of self defense does not qualify as a symptom. There must be an ongoing pattern of aggressive behavior. They regularly violate others, either physically or emotionally. Antisocials have a general mood consisting of irritability, inappropriate anger, or general discontent. They feel those emotions more often and more clearly than other people. ASPD can blunt emotions like empathy or remorse and other positive emotions seem pretty dull for them. This is because those emotions pass quickly while emotions such as hate/rage appear more real.

Difficulty controlling their anger is common for Antisocials. Some people with ASPD may act hostile, persistently angry or annoyed at a minor slight. They may also have poor relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners (some involving domestic abuse) and may lie or steal from loved ones. It's important to note that not all individuals with this disorder are violent but these behaviors are a significant part of the diagnostic criteria.

5. Reckless disregard for safety of self or others

"Reckless disregard" refers to behavior that shows a lack of care or concern for the possible repercussions of one's actions, acting with a deliberate and unjustifiable disregard for one's own or others' safety or well-being. This symptom goes beyond simple negligence, meaning a reckless person with ASPD may be aware of risks and chooses to act anyway. Recklessness is a more serious form of misconduct since it entails a deliberate disregard for a knowing risk, whereas negligence involves a failure to exercise due care.

More often than not, someone with ASPD may act highly competitive and distrustful of others. Unless (and rarely so) they meet someone they care about. Some people with ASPD may be capable of fulfilling relationships but most Antisocials despise everyone except a small inner circle (friend, family, partner) who is considered their exception. There are few lasting emotional ties or commitments.

6. Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations

Financial irresponsibility is indicated by acts such as defaulting on debts, not paying bills, not providing child support, or failing to support other dependents on a regular basis even if there are means to do so. Antisocials may fail to honor financial commitments and lack following through on general agreements or promises.

They may change jobs with no plan for getting another. They may not seek employment when opportunities are available. Neglecting responsibilities can look like missing work, acting in a self serving manner amongst others, and a lack of accountability.

7. Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another

Because of their contempt for rules, authority and social norms, this personality will easily rationalize their own behavior. When confronted with their misbehavior, a person with ASPD will not show any remorse. They typically don’t feel bad when they hurt others. Individuals with ASPD may not feel regret for their actions, even if they cause distress to others. They may also blame others for their problems and be unable to learn from their mistakes.

They may minimize the harmful consequences of their actions; or they may simply indicate complete indifference. People with ASPD have a low conscience, or morality, which can allow them to manipulate or deceive others. These individuals may blame the victims for being foolish, helpless, or deserving their fate (e.g., “he had it coming anyway”, “her fault for trusting me").

Case Study

In this fictional case study, Anthony, 30, attends court mandated therapy for anger management. He appears confident but dismissive of the idea that he needs any help and characterized his problems as the result of others shortcomings. Clinicians quickly noted that Anthony has a history of missing work, disregarding traffic laws and even being deceitful in legal situations. Over the course of therapy, Anthony complains of an inability to find security and happiness.

During his childhood, Anthony's father remarried five times and became both emotionally and physically distant. His mother struggled with substance abuse, overall leaving Anthony to fend for himself at a young age. He skipped school frequently, got into fights, and even stole a car.

Anthony's lack of empathy for others is evident in many of his interactions and relationships. A specific instance occurred when a close friend was going through a divorce and Anthony made fun of his friend's emotions, calling him sensitive and telling him to get over it. When confronted about his behavior, Anthony dismissed the situation by claiming to be misunderstood. In his romantic relationships, he ignores his partner's feelings and continues his behavior, laughing off the idea of kindness as weakness.

After a thorough assessment, Anthony fits the diagnostic criteria of Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Self Assessment

The following statements are based on traits often associated with ASPD. Note: this is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used as one- for yourself or others around you. A proper diagnosis should only be made by a qualified mental health professional. These statements may, however, help an individual reflect on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This inventory is provided for educational and entertainment use only.

I do and say what I want and if that upsets someone, then that’s their problem.
For me, life is a game of “how much can I get away with?”
It’s hard for me to empathize when others go through a difficult situation and I end up feeling annoyed or uncomfortable.
I love to see reactions of other people as they become upset, mad or ashamed. It’s fun to see others in distress and I like to provoke a reaction.
I justify if I steal, hurt or otherwise mistreat someone because chances are they deserved it.
I have a very cynical view of others.
I have poor control over my behavior. I can be short-tempered, hot-headed, suddenly irritable, or annoyed.

Next: Dependent Personality

Back To: Personality Disorders

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