1

Terrance Lynch

Senior Thesis

Pathological Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy

And

Its Relatedness To Criminal Activity

Criminal pervasiveness and mental disorders are strongly linked to each other. Antisocial

personality disorder (AsPD) is one of the main psychological disorders that are linked to pervasive

criminal activity. (Cooper) Antisocial personality disorder is defined by a pattern of behavior with

regards to reckless disregard for the rules and regulations of society, impulsiveness and deceit. Many

individuals with this disorder have a history of conduct disorder that began prior to the age of 15.

Antisocial personality disorder and conduct disorder are frequently the offspring of several other

disorders. Each of these disorders is linked to impulsive tendencies and potentially criminal behavior.

The antisocial personality disorder was created by the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual (DSM)

to describe individuals that showed a persistent lack of disregard for the rights of others or society.

These individuals tend to be manipulative, reckless, and are frequently in trouble with the law. The DSM

set up the following as diagnostic criteria for the Antisocial Personality Disorder:

Three or more of the following are required:

Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;

Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;

Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead;Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;Reckless disregard for safety of self or others;Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor

financial obligations;

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Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.

The antisocial behavior must not occur exclusively during an episode of schizophrenia or a manic episode.

(Diagnostic and Statistics Manual IV, 2000)

The Antisocial Personality Disorder is grouped together with other “Cluster B Personality Disorders” in

the DSM that include: Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Histrionic

Personality Disorder. These disorders are characterized by a pervasive misdevelopment in the behaviors

and personalities of individuals.

Psychopathy is another construct that is frequently confused with antisocial personality

disorder, or may possibly be used in the place of AsPD. (Psychopathy, 2008) Psychopathy was coined a

psychological construct, that falls on a spectrum of disorders ranging from narcissistic personality

disorder on the low end, malignant narcissism in the middle, and psychopathy on the high end. It is

uncertain whether psychopathy is more closely related as a psychological construct to narcissistic

personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder, but both disorders tend to be present in

psychopaths. The psychopath’s tendency to engage in amoral and criminally devious behavior links this

disorder most closely to the DSM’s antisocial personality disorder. Frequently, those in the field of

psychology use antisocial personality disorder interchangeably with psychopathy because the two have

many overlapping symptoms. (Psychopathy, 2008) (The interchangeable use of the two terms is not

necessarily the correct usage for the two terms). The criteria for psychopathy are outlined through the

Hare Psychopathy Checklist, which is listed as:

The twenty traits assessed by the PCL-R score are:

glib and superficial charm a grandiose (exaggeratedly high) estimation of self need for stimulation pathological lying

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cunning and manipulativeness lack of remorse or guilt egocentric and shallow affect(superficial emotional responsiveness) callousness and lack of empathy parasitic lifestyle poor behavioral controls sexual promiscuity early behavior problems lack of realistic long-term goals impulsivity irresponsibility failure to accept responsibility for own actions many short-term marital relationships juvenile delinquency revocation of conditional release criminal versatility

(Hare, 2002)

The overlapping of antisocial and narcissistic tendencies indicates that psychopaths are a cross-hybrid of

both the antisocial and narcissistic personality disorder. Others in the field of psychology argue that

psychopathy is merely antisocial personality disorder developed through psychological/biological

means.

The biggest question of why those individuals with antisocial personality disorder act out is

whether they have the ability to control their behaviors. The diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality

disorder will include consistent failure to conform to social norms, impulsivity and aggressiveness and

lack of remorse for their actions. (Cooper) This set of behaviors would have the tendency to predispose

an individual to criminal activity. Another criterion for the antisocial personality disorder is failure in job

related settings. Since these individuals are prone to break the law, act out on impulsive and aggressive

desires, lack remorse, and have difficulty holding down a steady job, it’s hard to tell whether or not they

are legally insane and should be treated. Some studies indicate that prison populations include up to

75% individuals with the antisocial personality disorder. (Lillienfeld, 2007) Some states and countries

have special guidelines for those with antisocial personality disorder. Such guidelines include placing

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these individuals in psychiatric hospitals, and treating them before putting them in a prison

environment.

To explain why the antisocial disregards laws and lacks remorse for their actions, the id, ego and

superego structure of personality needs to be explained. The antisocial lacks the normal development

of a superego, the subsystem of an individual’s personality that regulates internalized social rules. The

superego is known as the conscience. Because the antisocial has an underdeveloped superego, they feel

little to no guilt over hurting other people or for their reckless actions. The superego is the subsystem of

the mind that punishes the ego. Its purpose is to make sure that the ego stays within a structured set of

boundaries. The superego works as the mind’s conscience, making sure that the ego properly regulates

the id, and doesn’t attempt to seek a criminal lifestyle (a life solely for pleasure, with no regard to others

or societal norms).

Characteristic Traits of those with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy

Those with psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder display a certain set of

characteristics. Among those characteristics are deceitfulness, irresponsibility and impulsiveness, and

lack of concern for their actions. (McAfee, 2003) The antisocial disregards the rules and regulations of

society, and their behavior is defined by impulsive behaviors and a lack of remorse for their actions.

Because of these repetitive tendencies, those with AsPD will frequently end up in prison settings. Those

on the higher end of the antisocial personality disorder, usually labeled as psychopaths, may also display

other commons symptoms such as a criminal, shallow emotions, and narcissistic tendencies.

Psychopaths and those diagnosed with AsPD may engage in deceitful behavior, which includes

lying, use of multiple aliases, and conning others for personal pleasure or profit. Because those with

AsPD derive psychological gratification from engaging in antisocial behaviors (sexual, aggressive,

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criminal, or deceitful), deceitfulness is common among those with this disorder. Manipulation is

probably the most common form of deceit employed by those labeled as psychopaths. (McAfee, 2003)

The second set of characteristic traits that define an individual with antisocial personality

disorder is impulsiveness/aggressiveness/irresponsibility/recklessness. These characteristic traits are

relatively interrelated; because they are all related to the antisocial’s need for stimulation and

proneness to boredom. (McAfee, 2003). The combination of impulsive and aggressive desires, with an

irresponsible and reckless attitude, is what may govern their outlook on life. These individuals

frequently dislike boredom, which causes them to engage in reckless and criminal endeavors that allow

them to relieve themselves of their boredom that they frequently experience. Recklessness can also be

in the form of reckless driving, as indicated by repeated traffic tickets or multiple suspended licenses.

The most significant characteristic of those with antisocial personality disorder is their apparent

lack of conscience. (Lilienfeld, 2007) The conscience is the structure of the mind that helps individuals

understand the difference between right and wrong by inflicting guilt on those who have done improper

or immoral acts. The antisocial either lacks a conscience, or has an underdeveloped conscience.

Therefore, they have the tendency to rationalize their misdeeds. This is important in the understanding

of why those with antisocial personality disorder frequently end up in jail or prison settings. Because of

their impulsive and reckless nature combined with a lack of a conscience, this allows them to engage in

antisocial acts with a careless attitude towards life.

Lastly, traits that have the tendency to distinguish psychopaths from those with antisocial

personality disorder are egocentricity, emotional shallowness and narcissism. Egocentricity is a

preoccupation with one’s own internal world. The psychopath probably sees himself as being the center

of their own universe, and this also can be linked to grandiose behavior, and an exaggerated sense of

self-importance. Emotional shallowness is the second trait that is common in those with psychopathy.

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The emotions of the psychopath are suppressed. This means that they may feel below-normal levels of

fear, anxiety or other types of emotions. Their emotions may only be temporary and short-lived, which

makes it difficult for them to sustain long-lasting intimate relationships with others. Narcissism is

another trait that is common to those with psychopathy. While they may not meet the criteria for

narcissistic personality disorder, their combination of an egocentric belief system and shallow emotions

may cause the psychopath to become highly narcissistic.

Sociopath, Psychopath Classification

Psychopathy and sociopathy are both representative of the DSM diagnoses of antisocial

personality disorder. It is important to note that some in this field use the terms psychopathy, and

sociopathy interchangeably (to describe antisocial personality disorder, and its possible severity), but

this is not necessarily the correct use of the given terms. Some psychologists believe the sociopath

develops antisocial personality disorder through sociological or environmental means. (Kayne, 2003)

The psychopath is developmentally different from the sociopath, but still has the same antisocial traits

as the sociopath. Typically, the psychopath develops antisocial personality disorder through biological

or psychological means. (Kayne, 2003). There are two beliefs as to the origin of the creation of the term

sociopath. The first is that the term sociopath was created to help to relieve the social stigma attached

to the word psychopath (but this cannot be verified). The other belief is that the term sociopath was

created simply as the alternative use to describe antisocial personality disorder. This paper assumes the

latter in its use of the term sociopath.

While both the sociopath and the psychopath have antisocial personality disorder, the two are

thought to vary in the degree of their crimes and their impulsiveness. Typically, the sociopath is more

reckless and impulsive, with a tendency towards learning disorders and failure in work and school

settings. The sociopath’s crimes are based upon impulsivity and anger, and they are done to help them

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fulfill their antisocial desires. The psychopath is typically less impulsive than the sociopath, but at the

same time- has the potential to be more aggressive. The psychopath is more cold and calculating in

their antisocial desires, which could possibly make them more dangerous than the sociopath.

Psychologists believe that psychopaths are more calculating and measured in their actions and crimes,

whereas sociopaths are more impulsive. (Loewen 2013)

Neurological Roots of Antisocial Personality Disorder

Studies indicate that psychopathic traits are related to damages in the amygdala, causing

reduced levels of fear, and callous unemotional traits. (Psychopathy 2013) Psychopathic traits are

related to Factor 1 traits in Hare's psychopathy checklist, including superficial charm, manipulativeness,

emotionally shallow, and egocentric. (Hare's Psychopathy Checklist 2013) Antisocial traits related to

psychopathy/sociopathy are the result of neurological damage in the frontal lobes of the patient's brain.

(Psychopath 2013) Damage to this area of the brain results in impulsivity, irresponsibility, and criminal

versatility. (Frontal Lobe 2013) These qualities relate to Factor 2 traits in Hare's psychopathy checklist.

Antisocial Criminals, Subtypes

Antisocial personality disorder is closely linked to other cluster-B personality disorders, which

include narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and borderline personality

disorder. (Hare, 1992) While the other 3 cluster-B personality disorders do not necessarily entail a

diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, impulsive and reckless behaviors, as well as antisocial

tendencies will often accompany them. The narcissistic/histrionic/borderline personality disorders can

also be co-morbid with antisocial personality disorder. (Co-morbid means that both personality

disorders are present in a single person).

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Narcissistic personality disorder is a disorder characterized by grandiose fantasies, need for

admiration and a lack of empathy. (Diagnostic and Statistics Manual IV, 2000) While most people

possess healthy levels of narcissism (which is often required to drive an individual to positive pursuits),

unhealthy narcissism manifests itself in the narcissistic personality disorder. While narcissists do not

have the same antisocial desires as the AsPD, they may engage in certain types of crimes. The most

common types of crimes committed by a narcissist are white collar crimes and vindication crimes. It is

also possible for narcissistic personality disorder to be co-morbid with antisocial personality disorder, in

which they may engage in a wide variety of crimes.

The narcissist will engage in two primary types of crimes, white collar and vindication crimes.

The narcissist feels omnipotent, and therefore better than other people. While the narcissist may feel

powerful on the inside, frequently, their achievements are not commensurate with their haughty

beliefs. Any sort of career underachievement, or lack of promotion in a job (environment) may

encourage a narcissist to engage in white collar crime. To the narcissist, white collar crime is an easy

path to money. Money laundering, fraud, or other types of white collar crimes may be attractive

because they offer the narcissist the opportunity to make easy money and show off their intelligence in

pulling off the crime. Vindication is the other type of crime that the narcissist will engage in. Because

the narcissist feels slighted by the rejection of others, it encourages them to gain revenge on those that

have hurt them. To compensate for the perceived rejection, the narcissist will engage in a crime that

will help them to once again feel more powerful than the person that hurt them.

The second (cluster-B) personality disorder that may predispose a person to crime or antisocial

tendencies is the histrionic personality disorder. Those with histrionic personality disorder are

emotionally shallow, they need to be the center of attention, and they are self-centered. (Diagnostic

and Statistics Manual IV, 2000) These individuals tend to be lively and impulsive, and may commit

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crimes to gain the attention of others, or to improve their own status. While most of the crimes and

antisocial behavior committed by the histrionic tend to be impulsive in nature, they may also commit

crimes to get the attention of others. A case of mail fraud may be done to quickly earn enough money

for plastic surgery, and a threat against another may be a cry for help, or reassurance. Histrionics are

shallow and typically only care about themselves, or what others can do for them. This leads them to

act in antisocial manners to fulfill their self-righteous desires.

The borderline is the third personality disorder, mixed in with other cluster-B personality

disorders. Those with this disorder are emotionally unstable, see others in a black and white manner,

and are very self-conscious. (Diagnostic and Statistics Manual IV, 2000) Due to their thin-skinned

emotions, they are hurt by other people very easily. This leads to revenge motivated crimes. While the

majority of crimes committed by the borderline are impulsive in nature, severe crimes, such as assault

or homicide are done to seek vengeance on those that hurt them. Frequently, the revenge is targeted

towards former spouses, those that the borderline is familiar with, and was previously (emotionally)

attached towards. If the person that they were emotionally attached to hurts them, the borderline may

act out in an assaultive or dangerous manner due to their own inner hurt.

While narcissistic/histrionic/borderline personality disorders themselves result in impulsive and

antisocial tendencies, this does not entail the fact that these disorders may also be co-morbid with

antisocial personality disorder. When antisocial personality disorder is combined with these other

disorders, it tends to magnify the crimes committed by the individual with co-diagnoses (co-morbidity)

of the disorders. Antisocial personality disorder is marked by a lack of a conscience, aggressiveness and

impulsivity. An example would be a co-diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic

personality disorder. While the typical narcissist is not prone to criminal behavior, the antisocial is.

Therefore, the antisocial narcissist would be at a higher risk of committing white collar or vindictive

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crimes, as well as other crimes. Lastly, the psychopath’s underlying motives for criminal behavior may

include a combination of those factors influencing the narcissist/histrionic/borderline personality, but

the psychopath is more cold and calculating in their demeanor and actions, and are not likely to feel

guilt or empathy for their wrongdoings against society.

Antisocial Personality Disorder and Sadistic Personality Disorder, as a Serial Criminal

One major area of study in the criminal justice world is the psychological profile of serial

criminals. Serial crimes are typically defined as two or more similar crimes, committed by the same

person, with a cooling off period in between the crimes. (Campbell, 2004) Typically, the serial criminal

is a hybrid of the antisocial personality disorder and sadistic personality disorder. Sadistic personality

disorder (now an extinct term), refers to those with a personality disorder that entails the enjoyment

(sometimes even sexual pleasure) of the torture or humiliation of other people. When the sadistic

individual garners pleasure from violence or mutilation, it may not be unrealistic to believe that this type

of person is predisposed to become a serial criminal (i.e. serial killer). Usually, the serial criminal or

habitual criminal has a co-diagnosis of both antisocial personality disorder, along with sadistic

personality disorder, as well as a co-diagnosis with other psychological disorders.

Sadistic personality disorder is a psychological disorder that appeared in the third edition of

DSM. It is no longer existent in the DSM (now in its 4th edition); because the creators of the DSM felt

that criminal defendants would use it to excuse their criminal behaviors. (Campbell, 2004) Sadistic

personality disorder is now known in the medical field through the terms sadism and masochism

(masochism is the derivation of pleasure through self-inflicted pain). Many serial criminals (serial killers

and rapists) have a malignantly sadistic personality, in which they enjoy the infliction of pain on others

(sometimes in the case of violence and mutilation). Serial criminals may show a dependence on the

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pleasure they receive from sadistically torturing others, which may manifest itself as an addiction (which

is why they become serial criminals, to fulfill their psychological desires).

The co-diagnoses of sadistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder may cause a

person to become a habitual criminal. Individuals with a strong sadistic streak, gain pleasure out of the

hurt they inflict on others, while those with antisocial personality disorder impulsively engage in criminal

behaviors for psychological gratification. When these two disorders are combined, the individual

combines sadistic tendencies with criminal impulsivity that leads them to become a serial criminal or

habitual criminal. Their lack of conscience (which is found in those with AsPD), also allows them to treat

others as if they were objects, showing little or no remorse over the hurt of others.

Treatment Options

The most important aspect of treating those with AsPD is to determine if they are a risk to

society, and making sure that treatment of such individuals is done in an appropriate manner, which will

help them to better integrate into their communities. (Moeller, 2001) Because those with AsPD have

poor behavioral controls, and lack the ability to differentiate right from wrong in a correct manner, they

will always be predisposed to criminal activity. Although, other risk assessments should be done to

make sure that they do not pose as an immediate risk to society. Risk assessments include alcohol and

drug abuse tests, likeliness of future recidivism (engage in future crimes), as well as gauging their risk

towards others. (Moeller, 2001) Those who have been arrested on a sexual or violent offense are

determined to be higher risks than those who were arrested on non-violent offenses. (Reforming The

Mental Health Act Part II High Risk Patients) An overall psychological profile may be taken of the

offender, which would also have the benefit of helping to catch them if they do engage in future

criminal activity.

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It is important to treat any sort of drug or alcohol related problems found in those with AsPD.

AsPD is particularly linked to aggression and impulsivity, both of which can be exacerbated by the use of

drugs and alcohol. (Moeller, 2001) Those with AsPD are at an increased risk of being arrested and

placed in jail while on alcohol and illegal substances. By treating alcohol and drug abuse problems in the

antisocial, there is a diminished likeliness that the person will engage in future aggressive or criminal

activities. (Moeller, 2001) Personality disorders (including AsPD) are linked to aggressive related

behavior, while intoxicated by alcohol. Alcohol and drug use are one of the major underlying factors in

criminal behavior of those with antisocial personality disorder.

Psychiatric Care Vs. Psychological Treatment

One of the most important aspects of psychiatric treatment can be generally characterized as

the prescription of medications that help a person with mood instability and other neuro-functional

problems. Psychological treatment may consist of talk therapy or other forms of mind management

strategies. Many in the medical field believe that psychopathy is an untreatable condition (that no

amount of therapy or psychiatric treatment will treat those with AsPD). Psychopaths may in fact be

untreatable through typical methods used for other psychological disorder. But those with moderate or

lower levels of AsPD are good candidates for treatment. The most important aspect in treating those

with AsPD is to treat any underlying problems that may exist, such as anger management problems,

substance abuse problems, or depression. Once those problems are cured, those with AsPD will

become significantly more ready for integration into society.

Frequently, those with AsPD have co-morbid diagnoses of depression or substance abuse. (Lee)

Depression can be treated through the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). (Moeller,

2001) Depression is a problem for those with AsPD because it may encourage them to go on drinking

binges, which would have the effect of increasing their criminal tendencies. Substance abuse problems

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are the next step in reducing negative behaviors in those with AsPD. Those with AsPD naturally

experience under-arousal in normal day-to-day routines. This makes work and school related activities

very boring and uncomfortable for those with AsPD. Many will turn to alcohol and other substances to

help them relieve their boredom. But alcohol usage has the effect of increasing the criminal behaviors

of those with AsPD.

It is believed that psychopaths exposed to talk therapy and counseling tend to become more

cunning and manipulative. So other ways of compensating for this problem may be necessary. One

alternative as a treatment options for those with psychopathy are to teach them to understand societal

boundaries. Those with AsPD can internalize rules and regulations, which may help them to reduce their

criminal behavior. Many times, those with AsPD act impulsively and simply engage in behaviors due to

irresponsibilty. By creating a socially acceptable structure of rules in the life of those with AsPD, they

are being taught to respect the rules of society instead of freely engaging in purposeless pursuits.

Insanity Classification

Those with antisocial personality disorder should be treated under the insanity category for first

time or certain types of offenses (this is strictly an opinion). Because the nature of their behavior

predisposes them to criminal activity, they should be treated similar to others with mental disabilities

that qualify them as being insane. (Feeny, 2003) With proper treatment and therapy of these types of

people, there is a good chance that they can recover and become law-abiding citizens. One reason why

there is not a lot of effort being put forth to treat those with antisocial personality disorder is because

they are deemed a difficult group to treat. (Feeny, 2003) Their reckless behavior and disregard for

social norms may indicate that punishment is better than treatment. But the criminal justice system

needs to at least put forth the effort to treat these types of people. Mere punishment may make

antisocial individuals worse, by turning them into hardened criminals.

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Mental disorders and criminal behavior is a particular field of interest, especially in criminal

justice and law. The insanity defense is the most famous of criminal defenses. One event that made the

insanity defense so highly touted is the Ronald Reagan assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr. (Wolf,

1999) Mr. Hinckley attempted to assassinate the president to impress movie star Jodie Foster. After the

arrest and trial of Hinckley, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. (Wolf, 1999) This brought up

a lot of controversy, and Hinckley was admitted to a psychiatric hospital where he has stayed since. This

brings up the question of who should and who shouldn’t be considered insane at the time of a crime. All

states have variations on the insanity defense. But usually these crimes must be committed in times

where the criminal cannot control his impulses to commit such a crime. This is not always true in the

case of those with antisocial personality disorder, who usually can control their actions. (Hare, 1999)

Still, those with this disorder are considered “natural born criminals,” and it is questionable whether the

insanity defense should be used to help treat these individuals instead of incarcerate them.

Those with antisocial personality disorder fall under the category of “moral insanity.” (Feeny,

2003) These individuals are deemed to be “amoral” because their behavior leads them to engage in acts

of impulsivity due to neurological brain deficits and they cannot feel true remorse for their hurtful

actions. The psychopath may have the ability to internalize rules and structures. “Moral insanity”

usually encompasses those who are not psychotic, meaning they do not experience delusions (false

beliefs) or hallucinations. In the strictest sense of the insanity rule in the legal community, those who

are “morally insane” both lose control of their actions and/or are not able to distinguish the difference

between right and wrong. Current theories suggest psychopaths are able to both control their actions

and understand the difference between right and wrong, but neurological deficits affecting impulsivity

and lack of remorse and empathy strongly impairs their ability to engage in consistently lawful

behaviors.

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One important question is whether psychopaths understand the difference between right and

wrong. While this point was brought up in the last paragraph, some further explanations need to made

about this topic. Expert Robert Hare states that psychopaths understand the difference between right

and wrong, and that their actions are freely exercised. The author of this paper would like to refute this

ambiguous claim under the theory that psychopaths lack guilt for their wrongdoings, and therefore de-

velop a diminished capacity for understanding the difference between right and wrong. The author of

this paper further believes that psychopaths can learn from experience that certain acts are criminal,

but that understanding the difference between right and wrong requires guilt, and psychopaths lack

feelings of guilt in general.

Differential Diagnosis

Antisocial personality disorder is frequently mistaken for other diagnoses in the medical field. Some

disorders that are mistaken for antisocial personality disorder are dissocial personality disorder,

psychopathy (which some psychologists argue is the same as AsPD), and attention deficit disorder. (Lee)

Antisocial tendencies are common amongst those with psychological disorders. Frequently,

psychological disorders manifest themselves in impulsive and irresponsible behavior. Further, those

with psychological disorders may have cognitive deficits in certain areas, which may predispose them to

criminal activity.

Dissocial personality disorder is not listed in the DSM, but rather listed in the International Statistical

Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) manual. It is listed through the ICD-10

book as:

1. Callous unconcern for the feelings of others and lack of the capacity for empathy. 2. Gross and persistent attitude of irresponsibility and disregard for social norms, rules, and

obligations. 3. Incapacity to maintain enduring relationships.

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4. Very low tolerance to frustration and a low threshold for discharge of aggression, including violence.

5. Incapacity to experience guilt and to profit from experience, particularly punishment. 6. Marked proneness to blame others or to offer plausible rationalizations for the behavior

bringing the subject into conflict. 7. Persistent irritability.

The criteria specifically rule out Conduct disorders. Dissocial personality disorder criteria differ from those for antisocial and sociopathic personality disorders. (World Health Organization, 1992)

The difference between antisocial personality disorder and dissocial personality disorder is that

antisocial personality disorder references chronic illegal behavior, while dissocial personality disorder is

a pervasive misdevelopment in behavior and antisocial tendencies that effect interpersonal

relationships. (Lee)

Other disorders that may overlap or be mistaken for antisocial personality disorder are attention

deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and a host of other disorders.

(Hare, 1992) Those with ADHD, bipolar or schizophrenia may act in impulsive and antisocial manners.

Low social cognition combined with other psychological disorders may cause an individual to develop

antisocial tendencies (and many may meet the criteria for antisocial personality disorder). Those with

ADHD have the tendency to be impulsive and hyperactive. They may engage in frequent antisocial

behaviors, and may also become subject of arrests through their lifetime. Those with bipolar disorder

experience periods of mania, in which they have trouble controlling their behaviors. (Diagnostic and

Statistics Manual IV, 2000) This may lead to impulsive and hyperactive periods similar to those with

ADHD. Those with schizophrenia undergo periods of negative and positive symptoms. Positive

symptoms of schizophrenia may include periods of extreme acting out and uncontrollable behavior.

(Diagnostic and Statistics Manual IV, 2000) Many other psychological disorders may engage the person

in further antisocial tendencies, which may further allow them to meet the diagnostic criteria for

antisocial personality disorder.

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Conclusion

Antisocial personality disorder is a psychological construct that affects the behavior,

responsiveness and belief system of those who are inflicted with it. Typically, those with AsPD are

aggressive, impulsive, reckless and irresponsible. They are also characterized by a lack of a fully

developed conscience. Their behaviors cause them to engage in criminal and antisocial tendencies, and

will experience a care-free attitude towards their actions. Antisocial personality disorder comes in many

forms. Less severe cases of AsPD are the result of psychological disorders such as attention deficit

hyperactivity disorder. Their behavioral tendencies predispose them to criminal activities, which are

frequently impulsive in nature. Their aggression may lead to assaults on others or the destruction of

property. The legal system has devised methods of dealing with those with AsPD. Many treat them the

same as other offenders, while others recognize them as being “morally insane” and not fully culpable of

their actions. Treatment is also a concern for those with AsPD, because it is uncertain whether or not

they are treatable.

Antisocial personality disorder will continue to be studied. AsPD is the root cause of many

crimes, and needs to be studied properly to ensure that future treatment options are available to those

with the disorder. Once the medical field understands how to treat those with AsPD, it may further

extend its understanding of treatment towards dangerous offenders and lethal predators. The answer

to the questions of treating these individuals who are frequently in trouble with the law may have the

effect of improving society as a whole by diminishing the high levels of criminal activities that are caused

by the small percentage of people with AsPD and psychopathy.

*Note: This paper has been updated in the year 2013. All information contained in this paper is meant

to be used as a primer on psychopathy, and is by no means a complete or (necessarily) a fully accurate

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portrayal of psychopaths. Future updates may be added. The DSM 5 manual was not used in the

preparation of this paper.

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