Antisocial Disorder Essay, Research Paper

Since the beginnings of psychiatry in the early 19th century, it has been

recognized that there are persons whose persisting antisocial behavior can not

be understood in terms of mental disorder or neurotic motivations. The father of

French psychiatry, Phillipe Pinel, noted that some people seem to behave crazily

without actually being crazy. The German systematisist, like Robert Koch, first

coined the term "psychopathic" to describe such phenomenon now known

as personality disorders. Webster defines antisocial as "hostile or harmful

to organized society being marked by behavior sharply deviating from the social

norm." The diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality are as stands:

there us a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of

others occurring since the age of fifteen years. As indicated by three or more

of the following: 1. Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful

behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for

arrest. 2. Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, uses of aliases, or

conning others for personal profit or pleasure. 3. Impulsivity or failure to

plan ahead. 4. Irrational ability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated

physical fights or assaults. 5. Reckless disregard for safety for self or

others. 6. Consistent irresponsibility as indicated by repeated failure to

sustain constant work behavior or honor financial obligations. 7. Lack of

remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt,

mistreated, or stolen from another.

Black, C. Understanding Psychology, 1992, Ladies Home Journal. pp 15-19.