Antisocial Personality Disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which the individual is known for the violation the rights of others through hostility, violence and projection of extreme antisocial behavior. This type of behavior typically occurs before the age of 15 and the individual usually has symptoms of conduct disorder prior to this age. This disorder is common among children and young adolescents who often display patterns of violence, hostility and aggression towards animals and other individuals. They might be involved in the destruction of property, deceitfulness or thefts and serious violation of rules in school or home. Only individuals above the age of 18 years can be diagnosed with ASPD and this disorder is more common in men than in women.

Characteristics of Antisocial Personality Disorder:

Individuals with ASPD persistently violate the rights or others and show disrespect for them with little or no sign of guilt.

They often indulge in deceitful, hostile and antisocial behavior, violating rules and regulations.

Most of the ASPD individuals exhibit life-long patterns of irresponsible behavior with little or no regard for their safety or that of others and constantly come in conflict with society.

Diagnostic criteria:

In order to be diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder, the individual must meet the following criteria:

He/she must exhibit at least three behavioral problems including repeatedly indulging in behavior that can get them arrested, deceitfulness, impulsiveness, inability to plan for the future, aggressiveness. Disregard for the safety of others or their own, persistent irresponsibility in professional matters and lack or repentance for any of their antisocial activities.

There should be at least three instances of deviant behavior prior to 15 years of age, such as hostility and violent behavior towards animals or individuals, destruction of private or public property, fraudulence and serious violation of rules and regulations.

Antisocial behavior displayed by these individuals is not a symptom of other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, paranoia or a manic episode.

Traits of antisocial personalities:

Individuals with ASPD often come across as charismatic individuals and are extremely pleasant to interact with in an initial meeting.

These individuals are devious, scheming and coldheartedly use others to accomplish their own ends.

They are not considerate of others feelings and values.

These individuals tend to live for the moment and have no thoughtfulness for the future.

ASPD individuals are aggressive and act on impulse. They often indulge thoughtlessly and senselessly in violent acts.

Individuals with antisocial personalities are intelligent and socially appealing in nature. They device and carry out a number of elaborate schemes by luring people with their charismatic personalities. Imposters and frauds often fall in this category.