Antisocial Personality Disorder

2 Pages 442 Words

Antisocial Personality Disorder About 3% of men and 1% of women in the population have an antisocial personality disorder. There are estimates as high as 70 - 80% of the prison population has antisocial personality disorder. In later adulthood, symptoms diminish and the person may not be involved in criminal activity, though some of the basic personality characteristics may remain. Antisocial Personality Disorder is the most validated personality disorder. It has received more attention and has been studied more than any other personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by a pattern of disregarding and violating others' rights and safety Common symptoms of antisocial personality disorder are: Defiant: People with antisocial personality disorder do not feel it necessary to live by the norms and laws for behavior dictated by society. They regularly perform illegal acts that are grounds for arrest. Lack of remorse and empathy: Individuals with this disorder have no feelings of remorse for those whom they hurt. In fact, they may blame the victim for making them act in the harmful manner. They may rationalize why they have hurt people. Pg. 2 Self-absorbed: People with antisocial personality disorder are only concerned with their own needs and wants and do not care who they must hurt to achieving their goals. Because people with this disorder are so egocentric and lack empathy, they typically have few friends. Irresponsible: They have difficulty in fulfilling responsibilities and commitments such as jobs or financial obligations. Deceitful: People with this disorder display a pattern of constant lying, use of aliases, and conning people for personal profit or pleasure. Irritable and aggressive: Individuals with antisocial personality disorder are frequently involved in physical fights or assaults. They have little concern for the safety of themselves or others. Mental health professionals claim these people have an emptiness and sadn...