Whats an Antisocial Personality?
Please refer to the accepted diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association for Antisocial Personality Disorder. But before you diagnose your loved one, hold still and don’t jump the gun! Keep reading. It is important to note that an individual may have antisocial traits, but does not meet criteria for the Personality Disorder, which is more serious. The same source (DSM-IV)1 qualifies what is meant by the term, “Personality Disorder” as opposed to “personality trait:” “Personality traits are enduring patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and oneself that are exhibited in a wide range of social and personal contests. Only when personality traits are inflexible and maladaptive and cause significant functional impairment or subjective distress do they constitute Personality Disorders.” (p. 630) Word of caution: Use this information as a guideline. Do not make lay diagnoses. You don’t have the background. You will not be able to determine the
