Antisocial personality disorder (previously known as both psychopathic and sociopathic personality disorder) is usually a life-long condition characterised by a lack of conscience and remorse for wrong doings. It is not characterised by poor social skills.
Symptoms and characteristics
People with antisocial personality disorder tend not to conform to societal rules and are prone to criminal behaviour. There may be a tendency to lie and steal and people are often careless with money or act without thinking about consequences. People with antisocial personality disorder are usually aggressive and much more concerned with their own needs than the needs of others.
Symptoms typically include:
- engagement in antisocial or criminal behaviour
- difficulty developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- a total disregard for the rights of others (lacking empathy and remorse)
- an aggressive, argumentative, cruel and vindictive attitude.
Statistics
It is estimated that between 2.5 to 3.5 per cent of the general population have antisocial personality disorder and this may be as high as 75 per cent of the prison population (MDA Internet 2005). Antisocial personality disorder also occurs more frequently in males (AllPsych 2004).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
Regarding employment, relevant work considerations and accommodations may include:
- clear written job instructions, including detailed expectations and boundaries
- conflict-resolution mechanisms
- proactive management as problems arise.
Minimal interaction with others and avoidance of financial dealings may also be factors for consideration.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
AllPsych Online 2004, Antisocial Personality Disorder, AllPsych and Heffner Media Group Inc., Florida, viewed 18 February 2007, <http://allpsych.com/disorders/personality/antisocial.html>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 15 April 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.