What is antisocial personality disorder?

Antisocial personality disorder is a mental illness that involves a pattern of disregard for or violation of the rights of others. Deceit and manipulation to gain personal profit or pleasure are common behaviors by people with this disorder.

A person with antisocial personality disorder fails to conform to social norms. He or she may repeatedly take part in destructive, illegal activity, such as property damage, cruelty to animals, setting fires, or harassing others. Important decisions, such as ending a relationship or changing a job, may be made suddenly and without much thought about the consequences.

Those with antisocial personality disorder tend to be irritable and aggressive and may repeatedly get into physical fights or physically or verbally abuse another person such as a spouse or child. Irresponsible work behavior and financial habits are common. Little remorse is shown for harmful behaviors.

Antisocial personality disorder usually develops during childhood or early adolescence—as conduct disorder—and continues into adulthood.