Antisocial Personality Disorder Definition & Overview

Definition

Antisocial personality disorder is a psychiatric condition that causes an ongoing pattern of manipulating others and violating their rights. People with this disorder do not follow society’s norms and often break the law. It is characteristic for people with this diagnosis to be entirely careless about other people's feelings and pain, and to show a pervasive pattern of no remorse together with irresponsible decisions.

Antisocial personality disorder is much more common in males than females. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a person must be at least 18 years old but have had symptoms of conduct disorder before age 15. These symptoms include aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious breaking of rules.

Seeking treatment is important not only to help the person with the disorder but also to protect other people who may be affected by the person’s behavior.