Diagnosis

DIAGNOSIS
Antisocial Personality Disorder is often a difficult disorder to diagnosis. Patients with ASPD are able to fool highly experienced clinicians. While interviewing a client with ASPD, they may appear to be properly composed and creditable. However beneath their veneer (their mask of sanity) there could be tension, hostility, irritably and rage. In many cases clinicians will undergo a stress interview, meaning the patients are vigorously confronted with inconsistencies in their histories in order to reveal their pathology. A thorough neurological examination should also be included in the diagnostic workup. (Sadock, J. & Sadock, A., 2007)

Antisocial Personality Disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation, the severity of the symptoms and the client’s history. For this diagnosis the client must be at least 18 years of age and the client would have showed symptoms of Conduct Disorder during childhood. (Antisocial Personality Disorder, 2010) The diagnosis is usually made by a psychiatrist or another mental health professional. There are currently no laboratory tests that help to diagnosis ASPD. To determine how sever the disorder is or if there are any other contributing disorders, a complete psychiatric assessment is very important. Alternative disorders that may be contributing to ASPD are; substance abuse, depression, anxiety disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (Rosenblum, 2010) The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists very specific symptom criteria that must be met in order to diagnosis ASPD. This manual was published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health care professionals to diagnosis mental illnesses. (Antisocial personality disorder, 2010)


 * DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder **


 * There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three(or more) of the following:
 * Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviours as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest.
 * Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.
 * Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead.
 * Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults.
 * Reckless disregard for safety of self or others.
 * Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behaviour or honour financial obligations.
 * Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.
 * The individual is at least 18 years.
 * There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years.
 * The occurrence of antisocial behaviour is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or a manic episode.

Sarah Mackin