psychology

Antisocial personality disorder

Definition: Antisocial personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by chronic behavior that manipulates, exploits, or violates the rights of others. This behavior is often criminal. Alternative Names:Psychopathic personality; Sociopathic personality; Personality disorder - antisocial Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Personality disorders are chronic behavioral and relationship patterns that interfere with a person's life over many years. To receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, a person must have first had behavior that qualifies for a diagnosis of conduct disorder during childhood. The cause of antisocial personality disorder is unknown, but genetic factors and child abuse are believed to contribute to the development of this condition. People with an antisocial or alcoholic parent are at increased risk. Far more men than women are affected, and unsurprisingly, the condition is common in prison populations. Fire-setting and cruelty to animals in children are linked to the development of antisocial personality. <<<< BACK