Dissocial personality disorder

Abstract

Socially disruptive behavior becomes clinically relevant when it is based on a profound, early-onset, and persistent pattern of psychopathologically relevant personality traits. However, such traits are classified differently, which means that a distinction must be made between the ICD-10 diagnosis of dissocial personality disorder, the DSM-IV diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, and psychopathy. Our knowledge of the biological basis of antisocial behavioral styles includes findings from genetics, transmitter research, structural and functional imaging, and neuro- and psychophysiology. Psychosocial risk factors include parental rejection and neglect, unstable relationships, and abuse. Effective psychotherapeutic treatment approaches are primarily cognitive-behavioral. Pharmacological treatment is largely off-label.