Antisocial personality disorder

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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.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated	March 26, 2007

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Last updated:	March 26, 2007
Author:	Jeannette Curtis
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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