Psychopath or Antisocial Personality Disorder?

The word psychopath is thrown around a lot in today’s society. Often when we hear of a horrific event in the news such as a mass shooting or sexual assault we cannot comprehend how any rational human being could commit such atrocities. So is referring to these people as psychopaths a clinically correct statement to make?Well, as tempting as it is to label these people as psychopaths or sociopaths neither one of these are recognised disorders according to the DSM. However, many individuals who would traditionally be thought of as psychopaths have a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. In fact, the DSM states that antisocial personality disorder has previously been referred to as psychopathy. The criteria of antisocial personality disorder according to the DSM are …A. Disregard for and violation of others rights since age 15, as indicated by one of the seven sub features:

1. Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviours, as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest.
2. Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.
3. Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead.
4. Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults.
5. Reckless disregard for safety of self or others.
6.  Consistent irresponsibility as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behaviour or honour financial obligations.
7. Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.

B. The individual is at least age 18 years.C. There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years.D. The occurrence of antisocial personality disorder is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.As personality disorders refer to long-standing and enduring patterns of behaviour they are not often diagnosed until adulthood. During childhood and adolescence our personalities are rapidly changing, developing and maturing making it difficult to determine the longevity of these behaviours. Antisocial personality disorder cannot be diagnosed until the age of 18 however evidence of conduct disorder should be present before the age of 15.People with antisocial personality disorder people often hold traits central to that of entitlement, grandiosity and superficial charm, which may translate into cocky or highly opinionated manner of talk. They will also commonly choose not to conform to norms and disregard obligations. Furthermore, these people often have dysfunctional relationships, as they can be unremorseful, blameful of others, cold, manipulative and apathetic to others. People with antisocial personality disorder often lack empathy and will exploit others as they do not value relationships. Lying and manipulation are therefore very prevalent within the relationships these people form as the value they place on relationships resolves around personal gain rather than deep human connection.The prevalence for this disorder however is quite low, at approximately 1% and is approximately 70% more prevalent in males than in females.It is also important to note that while a lot of people who commit crimes do have antisocial personality disorder not all people with this disorder are criminals – the two are not synonymous. And while antisocial personality disorder can be difficult to provide interventions for it appears that it does reduce and may even disappear with age.So the next time you are quick to diagnose someone a psychopath it may be worth second thinking this assumption as more often than not they may actually be experiencing antisocial personality disorder.