Question 1

How common is antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is not as common as you might think. According to National Institute of Health, ASPD has an estimated lifetime prevalence of between 1 to 4% of U.S. adults.

Equally, intelligence and education tend to show a negative correlation to the disorder. Those individuals with lower reading levels and IQs are more affected by antisocial personality disorder.

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Question 2

Who is most likely to develop antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder (APSD) affects approximately 7.4 million adults in the U.S., which translates to more than 3.5% of the population. This disorder is more common in men than in women.

According to WHO, the highest prevalence is among males who abuse drugs or alcohol.

The primary reason why some people develop ASPD remains unknown. But, having a traumatic childhood and genetics are among the top things thought to accelerate this disorder. Most of the time, affected individuals come from difficult families with a history of neglect and child abuse.

Social services is, therefore, invested in child care to help reduce the number of people with ASPD. Among the leading symptoms in children is cruelty to animals and fire setting.

People with alcoholic or antisocial parents are also at a higher risk of developing an antisocial personality disorder. It is also common among individuals in prisons.

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Question 3

What is antisocial personality?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) refers to a pervasive pattern of contempt for and violation of other people's rights. According to American Psychological Association, some of the key diagnostic criteria includes criminal behavior, deception, impulsivity, recklessness, aggression, callousness, irresponsibility, and indifference to the abuse of others.

People with ASPD do not adhere to societal norms, are intimidating, and may engage in criminal activity. Although these individuals may look charming on the outside, they tend to be aggressive, irritable, and irresponsible.

However, ASPD is a complex mental health issue that includes several variations. For instance, it is often associated with sociopathy (severe problems with an individual's conscience) and psychopathy (total lack of conscience for others).

Although all these terms are related, they should not be used interchangeably. Instead, psychopath and sociopath should be used when describing traits that a person with ASPD may possess.

Because individuals with antisocial personality disorder are manipulative, it can be difficult to tell when they are telling the truth or lying. Also, the disorder is much more prevalent among males than females.

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Question 4

What is the average age of onset for antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

The average age onset for antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is usually early childhood, around age 8. The first symptoms are usually apparent by age 11.

However, boys tend to exhibit these symptoms earlier than girls. At this age, it is referred to as a conduct disorder.

According to DSM-5, antisocial personality disorder requires one to have a history of childhood antisocial behaviors. When these behavioral problems persist past 18 , the diagnosis changes from conduct disorder to ASPD.

Sometimes, a doctor or therapist may diagnose antisocial personality disorder before the age of 15. It is rare and only occurs when there is a history of conduct disorder symptoms.

Some adults with antisocial personality disorder did not have a history of childhood antisocial behaviors. Although they may have mild symptoms, professional help can help these individuals live healthy and happy lives.

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

How common is antisocial personality disorder?

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