GOOD DEFINITION OF ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER (SOCIOPATH)

Antisocial personality disorder

Socioathic personality; Sociopathy; Personality disorder - antisocial

Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others. This behavior is often criminal.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The causes of antisocial personality disorder are unknown. Genetic factors and child abuse are believed to contribute to the development of this condition. People with an antisocial or alcoholic parent are at increased risk. Far more men than women are affected. The condition is common in people who are in prison.

Symptoms

A person with antisocial personality disorder may:

• Be able to act witty and charming
• Be good at flattery and manipulating other people's emotions
• Break the law repeatedly
• Disregard the safety of self and others
• Have problems with substance abuse(most notably alcohol)
• Lie, steal, and fight often
• Not show guilt or remorse
• Often be angry or arrogant
• Moves frequently
• Poor or no attainable plans for the future 
• Frequent use of alias

Signs and tests

Like other personality disorders, antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of symptoms.

Treatment

Antisocial personality disorder is one of the most difficult personality disorders to treat. People with this condition rarely seek treatment on their own. They may only start therapy when required to by a court.
The effectiveness of treatment for antisocial personality disorder is not known. Treatments that show the person the negative consequences of illegal behavior seem to hold the most promise.

Expectations (prognosis)

Symptoms tend to peak during the late teenage years and early 20s.

Complications

Complications can include imprisonment, drug abuse, violence, strained family relationships, inability to maintain employment, multiple hospitalizations and suicide.