FREE ESSAY ON ANTISOCIAL DISORDER

ANTISOCIAL DISORDER

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