The main feature of ASPD (previously known as ‘psychopathy’ or ‘sociopathy’) is a pattern of personality traits that involves the disregard of other people’s feelings or rights. People with ASPD may behave in ways that are considered deceitful or manipulative to get their own way (e.g., behaving in a very charming way in order to obtain something, and then indifferently once they have it [168]). The main characteristics of ASPD are described in Table 18.
ASPD begins in childhood or early adulthood and continues into adulthood. For a diagnosis of ASPD to be made, the person must be at least 18 years old, and have experienced some symptoms of conduct disorder before the age of 15. The behaviours characteristic of conduct disorder fall into the following characteristics: aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violation of rules. For people with ASPD, this pattern of antisocial behaviour continues into adulthood.
Table 18: Characteristics of ASPD
| Main characteristics of ASPD |
Difficulty following rules or conforming to social norms with respect to lawful behaviour. People with ASPD may repeatedly be involved in behaviours that are grounds for arrest (e.g., destroying property, harassing others, stealing, or pursuing illegal occupations).
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| Behaving deceptively or manipulatively. People with ASPD may be deceptive or manipulative in order to get their own way (e.g., to obtain money, sex, or power). |
| A tendency for impulsive behaviour due to a failure to plan ahead. Decisions may be made on the spur of the moment, without forethought, and without consideration of the consequences for themselves or others. This may lead to sudden changes of jobs, residences, or relationships. |
| Irritability and aggression. A person with ASPD may be repeatedly involved in physical fights or assaults and may be aggressive towards other people. |
| Disregard for their own or other’s safety. For example, recurrent speeding, driving while intoxicated, multiple accidents, or high-risk sex. |
| Consistent and extreme irresponsibility. For example, irresponsible work behaviour, such as long periods of unemployment despite several job opportunities, abandonment of jobs without a plan for getting another, or repeated unexplained absences from work. Financial irresponsibility may include acts such as defaulting on debts and failing to provide child support. |
| The absence of remorse for the consequences of their actions. People with ASPD tend to provide superficial excuses for having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from someone. They may blame the victims of their actions for being foolish, helpless, or deserving their fate. People with ASPD may have difficulty showing empathy towards other people or remorse for their behaviour and may instead focus on self-interests. |