Antisocial Personality Disorder

Definition of Antisocial Personality Disorder

• Characterized by disregard for social norms and responsibilities.
• Can manifest in various ways, from adventurous individuals to those who engage in deceit and illegal activities.

Transition from Normal to Abnormal Personality Traits

Adventurers (Oldham and Morris, 1995)

• Characteristics: Intrepid individuals who challenge boundaries and pursue freedom. Often admired in society.
• Examples: Christopher Columbus, John Glenn.
• Attributes:
  • Non-conformists with their own value system.
  • Interpersonally persuasive and action-oriented.
  • Reluctant to settle down.

Dissenting Personality (Millon et al., 1994)

• Characteristics: Unconventional and independent thinkers.
• Attributes:
  • Reject standard responsibilities, viewing authority with contempt.
  • Impulsive and often criticized as irresponsible.
  • Self-motivated with leadership qualities.

Borderline of Normality and Pathology

• Deception and Exploitation:

  • Some individuals live without encountering laws, using deceit effectively.
  • Examples include entrepreneurs or politicians who manipulate systems for personal gain, often at the cost of others.

• Common Traits in Deceptive Individuals:

  • Use of doublespeak and legal loopholes.
  • Focus on presenting mitigating circumstances when accountable.
  • Often appear charming but can be ruthless (e.g., smooth-talking businessmen, car salesmen).

Key Diagnostic Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder

1. Failure to adhere to social norms: Repeated unlawful behaviors.
2. Deceitfulness: Repeated lying or conning for personal gain.
3. Impulsivity: Inability to plan ahead.
4. Irritability/Aggressiveness: Physical fights or assaults.
5. Recklessness: Disregard for safety of self and others.
6. Irresponsibility: Consistent failure to fulfill work or financial obligations.
7. Lack of remorse: Indifference to others' suffering.

Variations of Antisocial Personality Types

The Covetous Antisocial

• Traits: Driven by envy and desire for revenge, feels deprived.
• Behavior: Manipulative, often criminal, seeking control over others.

The Reputation-Defending Antisocial (Narcissistic Features)

• Motivation: Seeks respect and recognition, defensive against slights.
• Behavior: Extreme responses to perceived threats to their reputation.

The Risk-Taking Antisocial (Histrionic Features)

• Traits: Thrill-seeking, seeks excitement and attention.
• Behavior: Engages in dangerous activities for emotional stimulation.

The Nomadic Antisocial

• Traits: Views self as doomed, exists on the margin of society.
• Behavior: Scavenges for survival, drifts through life with little attachment.

The Malevolent Antisocial (Sadistic, Paranoid Features)

• Traits: Belligerent and vindictive, interprets kindness as manipulation.
• Behavior: Engages in destructive actions fueled by past grievances.

Psychodynamic Perspective on Antisocial Behavior

• Superego Failure: An underdeveloped superego leads to domination by the Id.
• Behavior Characteristics: Impulsive, egocentric, focus on immediate gratification, and disregard for social norms.

Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective on Antisocial Behavior

• Cognitions: Strategies for self-advancement, different moral framework than society.
• Emotional Processing: Deficits in empathy, with a range of affective behaviors.
• Interpersonal Patterns: Can be manipulative or struggle with social interactions, reflecting poor or superior interpersonal skills.
• Impulsivity: Varies from excellent impulse control to opportunistic behaviors.