Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD or APD) is a mental health condition and personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of other people. A person with ASPD may repeatedly disregard social norms, behave deceptively or impulsively, act aggressively, and show little or no remorse for behavior that harms others. Antisocial personality disorder is more than occasional selfishness, irritability, rule-breaking, or rebellious behavior. It is a persistent pattern of thoughts and behaviors that can significantly affect relationships, work, family life, and a person’s ability to function within society. People with ASPD may have difficulty following laws and social rules, maintaining healthy relationships, controlling anger and impulses, and considering the feelings or safety of others.
Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder can vary from person to person. Common signs and behaviors may include:
Disregard for right and wrong and repeatedly violating social norms or laws.
Being uncaring, distrustful, or disrespectful toward others.
Manipulating or exploiting other people for personal gain, pleasure, or advantage.
Frequent lying or deceitfulness to obtain money, status, power, or other benefits.
Acting impulsively without adequately considering the consequences.
Hostility, significant irritability, agitation, aggression, or violence.
Frequent involvement in fights or physical assaults.
Repeated irresponsible behavior, including difficulty maintaining employment or meeting financial or family responsibilities.
Reckless or dangerous behavior that may put oneself or others at risk.
Lack of guilt or remorse after hurting, mistreating, or exploiting others.
Arrogance or an exaggerated sense of superiority.
Repeated problems with the law, including criminal behavior.
Difficulty maintaining stable relationships because of dishonesty, manipulation, aggression, or disregard for others.
Failure to plan ahead or repeatedly making decisions without considering their long-term consequences.
Not everyone who displays one or more of these behaviors has antisocial personality disorder. Diagnosis requires a persistent pattern of behavior and a comprehensive assessment by a qualified mental health professional.
The exact cause of antisocial personality disorder is not known. Researchers believe that a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Possible contributing factors include:
A family history of personality disorders or certain other mental health conditions may increase the likelihood of developing antisocial personality disorder. However, having a family member with ASPD does not mean that a person will necessarily develop the condition.
Certain adverse childhood experiences may be associated with a greater risk of developing antisocial behaviors. These may include severe neglect, abuse, unstable family environments, or inconsistent parenting.
Research suggests that differences in brain development and functioning may contribute to difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse control, decision-making, and responding appropriately to consequences.
Exposure to violence, chronic conflict, dysfunctional family relationships, or other adverse social circumstances may contribute to antisocial behavior in some individuals. In many cases, several factors interact rather than one single cause being responsible.
Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed in adults. A history of certain behavioral problems during childhood or adolescence can be relevant to diagnosis. Conduct disorder is a condition diagnosed in children and adolescents in which there is a persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or major age-appropriate social rules. A clinician may consider a history of conduct disorder when assessing an adult for antisocial personality disorder.
There is no single blood test, scan, or laboratory test that can diagnose antisocial personality disorder. A psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or another appropriately qualified mental health professional may make the diagnosis after a detailed assessment. The evaluation may include:
A detailed discussion of current symptoms and behavior
Assessment of relationships, work, and social functioning
Review of personal and family history
Information about childhood and adolescent behavior
Assessment of substance use
Evaluation for other mental health conditions
Review of patterns of aggression, impulsivity, deceitfulness, and disregard for others
Mental health professionals use established diagnostic criteria when determining whether a person meets the requirements for ASPD. Because other mental health conditions can produce overlapping symptoms, a careful assessment is important.
Treating antisocial personality disorder can be challenging, particularly when a person does not believe that their behavior is problematic or does not want treatment. There is no single medication specifically approved to cure antisocial personality disorder. Treatment generally focuses on managing problematic behaviors, improving emotional regulation, reducing impulsivity and aggression, and addressing associated mental health or substance-use problems.
Psychotherapy may be used to help a person understand behavioral patterns and develop healthier ways of responding to difficult situations. Depending on the individual’s needs, treatment may involve approaches that focus on:
Improving impulse control
Managing anger and aggression
Developing problem-solving skills
Recognizing the consequences of behavior
Improving interpersonal functioning
Reducing harmful or risky behaviors
Addressing substance misuse
Treatment plans should be individualized and provided by qualified mental health professionals.
There is no specific medication that cures antisocial personality disorder. However, a doctor may prescribe medication to manage particular symptoms or coexisting conditions, such as significant aggression, depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems, when appropriate. Medication should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Some people with ASPD may also experience conditions such as substance-use disorders, depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric problems. Identifying and treating these conditions can be an important part of overall care.
Without appropriate assessment and support, persistent antisocial behavior may contribute to problems in several areas of life. Possible complications include:
Relationship and family difficulties
Employment problems
Financial difficulties
Substance misuse
Repeated legal problems
Aggressive or violent behavior
Risk-taking and dangerous behavior
Social isolation
Difficulties maintaining stable housing or employment
The severity and course of the condition vary considerably between individuals.
A person should consider seeking professional help when persistent patterns of aggression, manipulation, impulsive behavior, disregard for others, or serious problems with relationships, work, or the law are causing significant difficulties. Family members who are concerned about someone’s behavior may also seek advice from a qualified mental health professional. If there is an immediate risk of violence or serious harm to oneself or another person, seek emergency medical or emergency services immediately.
If you or someone you know has persistent behavioral or emotional difficulties that may be associated with antisocial personality disorder, appropriate specialists may include:
A psychiatrist can evaluate mental health conditions and determine whether medication may be appropriate. A clinical psychologist can provide psychological assessment and psychotherapy.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent antisocial personality disorder. However, early recognition and treatment of serious behavioral problems in children and adolescents may help reduce the likelihood of persistent harmful behavior. Supportive family relationships, appropriate parenting, early mental health intervention, and treatment of childhood behavioral problems may also be beneficial.
Antisocial personality disorder is a personality disorder involving a persistent pattern of disregard for or violation of the rights of others, social rules, and responsibilities.
No. In everyday language, “antisocial” can mean avoiding social interaction or preferring to spend time alone. Antisocial personality disorder is different and refers to a specific mental health diagnosis involving a persistent pattern of disregard for other people’s rights and social norms.
Treatment can help manage problematic behaviors and associated conditions. Psychotherapy may be used to address impulsivity, aggression, emotional regulation, interpersonal difficulties, and other behavioral problems.
There is no medication that specifically cures ASPD. Medicines may sometimes be prescribed to manage particular symptoms or coexisting psychiatric conditions.
Some people with ASPD have relationships, but maintaining healthy and stable relationships can be difficult because of patterns such as deceitfulness, manipulation, impulsivity, aggression, or disregard for others.
No. Although aggression and violence can occur in some people with ASPD, not everyone with the disorder is violent. Individual behavior varies, and a diagnosis should not be used to assume that a person will commit violence.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in popular discussions, but they are not identical. Antisocial personality disorder is a recognized clinical diagnosis, while psychopathy is a related but distinct construct that emphasizes particular interpersonal, emotional, and behavioral characteristics.
ASPD is an adult diagnosis. Children and adolescents with persistent serious conduct problems may instead be evaluated for conditions such as conduct disorder.
The information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Antisocial personality disorder can only be properly diagnosed following an appropriate assessment by a qualified mental health professional. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, consult a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or other qualified healthcare professional.
