Repeatedly breaking rules or the law through acts that could lead to arrest.
DSM-5-TR · Cluster B · personality disorder
Could I have antisocial personality disorder?
Antisocial personality disorder is characterised by a persistent disregard for the rights of others and social norms, with repeated patterns of rule-breaking, deceit or irresponsibility. Having some of these traits does not mean that someone has a personality disorder: DSM-5-TR requires an enduring, pervasive and clinically significant pattern.
Cluster BDramatic, emotional or erratic patterns
3/7
DSM-5-TR
What are the DSM-5-TR features?
DSM-5-TR requires at least 3 of the 7 specific features, together with the general requirements for a personality disorder.
Specific criteria — paraphrased
Persistent deceitfulness: repeated lying, aliases, scams or manipulation for personal gain or pleasure.
Acting impulsively or failing to plan ahead.
Frequent irritability or aggression, including repeated fights or assaults.
Reckless disregard for personal safety or the safety of others.
Persistent irresponsibility in work, finances or other important obligations.
Little or no remorse, or rationalising having harmed, mistreated or deceived others.
Diagnostic reference: DSM-5-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The wording above is intentionally concise and paraphrased.
Specific DSM-5-TR requirement
DSM-5-TR additionally requires the person to be at least 18 and to have evidence of conduct disorder before age 15. Antisocial behaviour must not occur exclusively during schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
The specific criteria are not sufficient on their own
- The pattern is enduring, inflexible and present across different contexts — not only during a crisis or in one particular relationship.
- It causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
- Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed only from age 18 onward and requires evidence of conduct disorder before age 15.
- It is not better explained by another mental disorder, a substance/medication effect or a medical condition.
Differential diagnosis
Antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy or sociopathy?
DSM-5-TR uses the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. “Psychopathy” and “sociopathy” are not separate DSM-5-TR diagnoses. Psychopathy is an overlapping construct that places greater emphasis on certain interpersonal and affective traits, so the terms are not strictly interchangeable.
Clinical assessment
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosis is not based on a checklist or a single questionnaire. It requires clinical interviewing, review of the person’s long-term pattern and functional impact across settings, and differential diagnosis. Personality questionnaires and tests can support that assessment.
The 10 specific DSM-5-TR personality disorders
Explore the other personality disorders
Personality disorders can share features and sometimes overlap, making differential diagnosis essential.
Are you wondering about your personality functioning?
An emotional and personality assessment can compare several hypotheses, clarify the overall pattern and avoid drawing conclusions from a few isolated traits.
