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Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Current Review

  • Personality Disorders (C Schmahl, Section Editor)
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Abstract

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) classification of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) describes individuals who engage in repetitive irresponsible, delinquent, and criminal behavior. The diagnosis is highly controversial, with many researchers and clinicians arguing that the category is too heterogeneous, overinclusive, and demonstrates considerable overlap with other disorders. This review focuses on recent studies that have improved our understanding of the characteristics of individuals who fit the ASPD definition by exploring how subtypes differ and how comorbid conditions influence the presentation of ASPD. In addition, we discuss research on the etiology of ASPD that has identified genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the development and persistence of antisocial behavior, and brain imaging research that has improved our understanding of the relationships between ASPD and other psychopathology. Finally, we discuss promising preliminary research on treatment for this disorder.

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Conflict of Interest

Andrea L. Glenn, Alexandria K. Johnson, and Adrian Raine declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for the Prevention of Youth Behavior Problems, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA

    Andrea L. Glenn

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

    Alexandria K. Johnson

  3. Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 3809 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Adrian Raine

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  1. Andrea L. Glenn
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  2. Alexandria K. Johnson
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  3. Adrian Raine
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Correspondence to Andrea L. Glenn.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Personality Disorders

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Glenn, A.L., Johnson, A.K. & Raine, A. Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Current Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 15, 427 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-013-0427-7

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