Personality Theory and Psychological Disorder Term Paper

It is more common than many would like to think. It is a disorder which affects behavior in a way which goes against typical norms of social acceptance, and it is also a disorder which has no reliable treatment.

This disorder separates afflicted individuals from the behavior of normal people, "Antisocial Personality Disorder is a condition characterized by persistent disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood" (Long 2005). Many who are diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder have trouble conforming to the norms and mores of the society in which they were born.

Thousands of those diagnosed do not follow the legal laws of their culture and exhibit other types of taboo behavior. Individuals diagnosed excerpt tell-tale signs. Many show high levels of deceitfulness and mal-intended manipulation. They lie, cheat, and steal; anything that the average person would judge as immoral.Many also exhibit heightened impulsiveness, and irritability (American Psychiatric Association 1994). The lack of empathy towards the people around them also shows up in those diagnosed with the disorder. They also place themselves in more violent danger due to their behavior.

People normally show signs as children. However, this disorder cannot be fully diagnosed until the individual in question is over the age of eighteen. Even after diagnosis, there is little one can actually do, (Psychology Today 2005). Even the American Psychiatric Association does not supply a truly effective treatment.

Works Cited

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

Disorders, fourth ed. Washington, DC. American Psychiatric Association.

Long, Phillip M.D. (2005) "Antisocial Personality Disorder." Internet Mental Health. http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe04.html

Psychology Today. (2005) "Antisocial Personality Disorder." Suusex Publishers. New York. http://psychologytoday.com/conditions/antisocial.html#Treatment.....