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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffAntisocial personality disorder is a type of chronic mental illness in which a person's ways of thinking, perceiving situations and relating to others are abnormal — and destructive.
People with antisocial personality disorder typically have no regard for right and wrong. They may often violate the law and the rights of others, landing in frequent trouble or conflict. They may lie, behave violently, and have drug and alcohol problems. And people with antisocial personality disorder may not be able to fulfill responsibilities to family, work or school.
Antisocial personality disorder is sometimes known as sociopathic personality disorder. A sociopath is a particularly severe form of antisocial personality disorder.
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- Koegl CJ, et al. Clinician perceptions of childhood risk factors for future antisocial behavior. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. 2009;38:564.
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 26, 2010.
- Bostwick MJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 21, 2010.
- Kendall T, et al. Borderline and antisocial personality disorders: Summary of NICE guidance. British Medical Journal. 2009;338:293.
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