Antisocial Personality Disorder: Comparisons of Prevalence, Symptoms, and Correlates in Four Countries

Antisocial personality disorder (ASP) is a disabling psychiatric disorder defined by pervasive and persistent antisocial behavior that begins in childhood and persists in adulthood, often to middle age (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994; Robins, 1966, 1978; Zoccolillo, Pickles, Quinton, & Rutter, 1992). It carries an increased risk of early mortality and substance dependence (Robins, 1966; Robins, Tipp, & Pryzbeck, 1991). The disorder is familial, with evidence for both genetic and environmental factors (APA, 1994; Crowe, 1974; Lyons et al., 1995).