Which behavior is a characteristic of a patient diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder?

Overview

Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is a mental disorder in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others. People with antisocial personality disorder tend to antagonize, manipulate or treat others harshly or with callous indifference. They show no guilt or remorse for their behavior.

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When to see a doctor
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Risk factors
Complications
Which of the following is characteristic of antisocial personality disorder quizlet?
Which of the following is a definitive characteristic of antisocial personality disorder?

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder often violate the law, becoming criminals. They may lie, behave violently or impulsively, and have problems with drug and alcohol use. Because of these characteristics, people with this disorder typically can't fulfill responsibilities related to family, work or school.

Symptoms

Antisocial personality disorder signs and symptoms may include:

Disregard for right and wrong
Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others
Being callous, cynical and disrespectful of others
Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or personal pleasure
Arrogance, a sense of superiority and being extremely opinionated
Recurring problems with the law, including criminal behavior
Repeatedly violating the rights of others through intimidation and dishonesty
Impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead
Hostility, significant irritability, agitation, aggression or violence
Lack of empathy for others and lack of remorse about harming others
Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behavior with no regard for the safety of self or others
Poor or abusive relationships
Failure to consider the negative consequences of behavior or learn from them
Being consistently irresponsible and repeatedly failing to fulfill work or financial obligations

Adults with antisocial personality disorder typically show symptoms of conduct disorder before the age of 15. Signs and symptoms of conduct disorder include serious, persistent behavior problems, such as:

Aggression toward people and animals
Destruction of property
Deceitfulness
Theft
Serious violation of rules

Although antisocial personality disorder is considered lifelong, in some people, certain symptoms — particularly destructive and criminal behavior — may decrease over time. But it's not clear whether this decrease is a result of aging or an increased awareness of the consequences of antisocial behavior.

When to see a doctor

People with antisocial personality disorder are unlikely to seek help on their own. If you suspect that a friend or family member may have the disorder, you might gently suggest that the person seek help from a mental health professional and offer to help them find one.

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Causes

Personality is the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviors that makes everyone unique. It's the way people view, understand and relate to the outside world, as well as how they see themselves. Personality forms during childhood, shaped through an interaction of inherited tendencies and environmental factors.

The exact cause of antisocial personality disorder isn't known, but:

Genes may make you vulnerable to developing antisocial personality disorder — and life situations may trigger its development
Changes in the way the brain functions may have resulted during brain development

Risk factors

Certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing antisocial personality disorder, such as:

Diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder
Family history of antisocial personality disorder or other personality disorders or mental health disorders
Being subjected to abuse or neglect during childhood
Unstable, violent or chaotic family life during childhood

Men are at greater risk of having antisocial personality disorder than women are.

Complications

Complications, consequences and problems of antisocial personality disorder may include, for example:

Spouse abuse or child abuse or neglect
Problems with alcohol or substance use
Being in jail or prison
Homicidal or suicidal behaviors
Having other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety
Low social and economic status and homelessness
Premature death, usually as a result of violence

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent antisocial personality disorder from developing in those at risk. Because antisocial behavior is thought to have its roots in childhood, parents, teachers and pediatricians may be able to spot early warning signs. It may help to try to identify those most at risk, such as children who show signs of conduct disorder, and then offer early intervention.

Dec. 10, 2019

Which of the following is characteristic of antisocial personality disorder quizlet?

People with antisocial personality disorder may: Be physically aggressive. Behave recklessly. Blame others for their problems.

Which of the following is a definitive characteristic of antisocial personality disorder?

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others. They show no remorse for their behavior.