NCJ Number
110606
Date Published
1986
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The antisocial personality is discussed in terms of its psychiatric definition, incidence, theories regarding causation, and types.
Abstract
The American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual applies this term to individuals who are basically unsocialized and whose behavior pattern brings them repeatedly into conflict with society. The manual notes that most of the illegal conduct of the antisocial personality tends to decline after age 30. Clinical evidence indicates that the antisocial personality constitutes from 1 to 3 percent of all adults of both sexes. The course, mechanism, and etiology of this clinical disorder remain unknown. However, the current view of the antisocial personality has evolved from the work of many researchers, most of whom have developed their theories and insights from clinical experience. Researchers considering causation have focused on such issues as defective role taking and sociological and psychological variables. Biological factors have also been examined to a limited extent. Much of the research suggests a biological etiology, although it is also clear that sociopaths form a heterogeneous group. 49 references.