ABSTRACT
An essential feature of antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and the violation of the rights of others. Individuals with APD fail to conform to social norms; they are deceitful, impulsive, aggressive, and irritable. They show a reckless disregard for safety and a lack of remorse. The diagnosis of APD should not be used with anyone under the age of 18 and requires a history of conduct disorder symptoms prior to the age of 15. This pattern has been called psychopathy, sociopathy, and dyssocial personality disorder (APA, 2000).
