Vad innebär antisocial personlighetsstörning/Psykopati? [Stora tråden om psykopati]

Diagnostic Features

The essential feature of Antisodal Personality Disorder is a pervasive pattern of disregard
for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence
and continues into adulthood

This pattern has also been referred toas psychopathy, sociopathy, or dyssociaJ personality
disorder. Because deceit and manipul ation arc central features of Antisocial
Personality Disorder, it may be especially helpful to integrate information acquired
from systematic clinical assessment with information collected from collateral sources,
For this diagnosis to be given, the ind ividual must be at least age 18 years (Criterion
B) and must have had a history of some symptoms of Conduct Disorder before age
15 years (Criterion C). Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive and persistent pattern
of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal
norms or rules are violated. The specific behaviors cha racteristic of Conduct Disorder
fall into one of four categories: aggression to people and animals, destruction of property,
deceitfulness or theft, or serious viola tion of rules. These are described in more
detail on p. 93.
The paHern of antisocial behavior continues into adulthood. lndividuals with Antisocial
Personality Disorder faU to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behavior
(Criterion AI). They may repealedly perform acls thai are grounds for arrest
(whether they are arrested or not), such as destroying property, harassing others,
stealing, or pursuing illegal occupations. Persons with this d isorder disregard the
wishes, rights, or feelings of others. They are frequently deceitful and manipu lative
in order to gain personal profit or pleasure (e.g., to obtain money, sex, or power) (Criterion
A2). They may repeatedly lie, use an aJias, can others, or malinger. A pallern
of impulsivity may be manifested by a failure to plan ahead (Cri terion A3). Decisions
are made on the spur of the moment, without forethought, and without consideration
for the consequences to self or others; this may lead to sudden changes of jobs, residences,
or relationships. Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder tend to be
irritable and aggressive and may repealedly get into physical fights or commit acts of
physical assault (including spouse beating or child bea ting) (C riterion A4). Aggressive
acts that are required to defend oneself or someone else are not considered to be
evidence for this item. These individuals also display a reckless disregard for the safety
of themselves or others (Criterion AS). ntis may be evidenced in their driving behavior
(recurrent speeding, driving while intoxicated, multiple accidents). They rna}
engage in sexual behavior or substance use that has a high risk for hannful consequences.
They may neglect or fail to care for a child in a way that puts the child in
danger.
Individuals wi th Antisodal Personali ty Disorder also lend to be consistently and
ex tremely irresponsible (Criterion A6). Irresponsible work behavior may be indicated
by Significant periods of unemployment des pite available job opportunities, or by
abandonment of several jobs without a realistic plan for getting another job. There
may also bea pattern of repeated absences from work that are not explained by illness
either in themselves or in their famil y. Financial irresponsibility is indicated by acts
such as defaulting on debts, failing to prmride child support, or failing to support other
dependents on a regular basis. Indiv iduaJs with Antisocial Personality Disorder
show little remorse for the consequences of their aels (Criterion A7). They may be indifferent
to, or provide a superficial rational.ization for, having hurt, mistreated, or
stolen from someone (e.g., "life's unfair," "losers deserve to lose," or "he had it com·
ing anyway"). These ind i\riduals may blame the victims for being foolish, helpless, or
deserving their fate; they may minimize the harmful consequences of their actions;
or they may simply indicate complete indifference. They generally fail to compensate

or make amends for their behavior. They may believe that everyone is out to "help
number one" and that one should stop at nothing to avoid being pushed around.
The antisocial behavior must not occur exclusively during the course of Schizo-phrenia
or a Manic Episode (Criterion D).