The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is antisocial personality disorder? " � People with antisocial personality disorder have many behavior problems, such as lying, cheating, fighting, and breaking the law. These problems affect many parts of their lives (for example, school, work, and relationships). The disorder is more common in men than in women. � �
People with this condition often have trouble getting along with others and keeping a job. They do not feel sorry about how their actions might hurt other people. � �
What are the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder? " � In people who are younger than 15 years old, symptoms include: � �
- Breaking rules
- Destroying things
- Lying
- Stealing
- Fighting
About half of teens with these behaviors learn to be more responsible when they are adults. � �
Adults with antisocial personality disorder continue to have similar symptoms, including: � �
- Breaking laws
- Getting arrested often
- Using a fake name (called an "alias " �)
- Taking advantage of other people
- Hurting other people
- Bragging about their bad behavior
- Not feeling sorry about their bad behavior
- Being unable to keep a job
People who have a few of these symptoms for short periods of time do not have antisocial personality disorder. To have the disorder, people must have multiple symptoms that last for years and affect all parts of their lives. � �
How is antisocial personality disorder treated? " � There are no good ways to treat antisocial personality disorder. But people with this disorder often have other problems, such as depression and alcohol or drug abuse. Seeing a counselor (such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, or social worker) and/or taking medicines can help treat those problems. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83080 Version 1.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �