Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as "...a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood."[1] Deceit and manipulation are considered essential features of the disorder. Therefore, it is essential in making the diagnosis to collect material from sources other than the individual being diagnosed. Also, the individual must be age 18 or older as well as have a documented history of a conduct disorder before the age of 15.[1] People having antisocial personality disorder are sometimes referred to as "sociopaths" and "psychopaths", although some researchers believe that these terms are not synonymous with ASPD.[2]__________Contents [hide] 1 Development 2 Diagnostic criteria 3 Symptoms 4 Prevalence 5 Relationship with other mental disorders 6 Potential markers 6.1 Criticism of the DSM-IV criteria 7 Causes 8 See also 9 References 10 External links--------------[edit] Development The criteria for the Antisocial Personality Disorder were made by Andrew, Endicott and Robbins because of concern in the development of the DSM-IV too much emphasis was focused on research data. Researchers have heavily criticized the ASPD criteria (see below) because not enough emphasis was placed on traditional psychopathic traits such as a lack of empathy, superficial charm, and inflated self appraisal. These latter traits are harder to assess than behavioral problems (like impulsivity and acting out). Thus, the DSM-IV framers sacrificed validity for reliability. That is, the ASPD diagnosis focuses on behavioral traits, but only limited emphasis is placed on affective and unemotional interpersonal traits.===========[edit] Diagnostic criteria Three or more of the following are required:[1]=========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; 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.[3]-------------[edit] Symptoms Characteristics of people with antisocial personality ______-disorder may include:[4]_________Persistent lying or stealing ----------Superficial charm[5][6] ----------Apparent lack of remorse[5] or empathy; inability to care about hurting others ----------Inability to keep jobs or stay in school[5] ----------Impulsivity and/or recklessness[5] ----------Lack of realistic, long-term goals — an inability or persistent failure to develop and execute long-term plans and goals ----------Inability to make or keep friends, or maintain relationships such as marriage ----------Poor behavioral controls — expressions of irritability, annoyance, impatience, threats, aggression, and verbal abuse; inadequate control of anger and temper ----------Narcissism, elevated self-appraisal or a sense of extreme entitlement ----------A persistent agitated or depressed feeling (dysphoria) ----------A history of childhood conduct disorders ----------Recurring difficulties with the law ----------Tendency to violate the boundaries and rights of others ----------Substance abuse ----------Aggressive, often violent behavior; prone to getting involved in fights ----------Inability to tolerate boredom ----------Disregard for the safety of self or others People with a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder often experience difficulties with authority figures.[7]