Antisocial Personality Disorder preoccupied scientists since the early nineteenth century. People who would be diagnosed today, according to the APA Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, as having Antisocial Personality Disorder were considered in the early stages of psychiatry and then later by psychology as: sociopaths, psychopaths, lunatics etc. According to the American Psychological Association Manual, the Antisocial Personality Disorder is "a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation

Antisocial Personality Disorder As a society our culture is very concerned with norms and social behavior. Antisocial behavior is something that certainly stands out, when exhibited. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a disease that is only diagnosed in adulthood; however the signs begin in childhood and adolescents. ASPD is characterized by the individual's disregard for other people's feelings and rights (Antisocial Personality Disorder, 2008). This is a disease that affects more

antisocial personality disorder (APD) as displayed by serial killer Belle Gunness. The essay discusses her behaviors with reference to the DSM IV criteria and reviews theoretical perspectives on APD. Belle Gunness, who immigrated to the U.S. In 1881, was born Brynhild Paulsdatter Strseth in November 1859 in Selbu, Norway. Following her immigration, a series of suspicious fires and deaths resulting in insurance awards ensued. Shortly after marrying Mads Sorenson in

Diagnosis and Treatment Axis II of the DSM covers personality disorders extensively, illuminating the criteria by which personality disorders can be diagnosed, and allowing clinicians to effectively distinguish between them in order to provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for the client. As a multi-model model, the DSM also allows clients like Mary to be treated for additional clinical conditions and accounts for comorbidity. Alternative models of personality disorder

Treatment and therapy for the condition is sought after clinical psychologists, in most cases when they face multiple court charges, diagnose the patient. Treatment of the condition entails the use of behavioral treatments like reward and punishment methods in psychology. A patient with antisocial personality disorder is rewarded for displaying the correct behavior, under the positive reinforcement method. Negative reinforcement entails promise and use negative consequences for any illegal

The study's most significant limitation was that it did not contain female or minority subjects. The lack of female subjects was due to the ambiguous expression of the MAOA genotype in females, but the failure to include minorities was based on the fact that prior research had focused on Caucasian samples. Future research needs to be more inclusive. Conclusion Several studies have attempted to examine the causes of antisocial personality disorder.