Antisocial personality disorder previously known as both psychopathic and sociopathic personality disorder, is usually a life long condition characterised by a lack of conscience and remorse for wrong doings.
People diagnosed with this disorder are prone to criminal behaviour, not conforming to societal rules and believe that their victims are weak and thus deserving of being taken advantage of. They tend to lie and steal and are often careless with money, often acting without thinking about consequences. They are usually aggressive and much more concerned with their own needs than the needs of others.
Symptoms and characteristics
Symptoms and characteristics typically include:
- engaging in antisocial or criminal behaviour
- experiencing difficulty developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- demonstrating a total disregard for the rights of others including lacking empathy and remorse
- often being aggressive, argumentative, cruel and vindictive.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Regarding employment, relevant work considerations and accommodations may include ensuring the provision of:
- clear written job instructions, including detailed expectations and boundaries
- conflict resolution mechanisms
- pro-active management as problems arise.
Minimal interaction with others and avoidance of financial dealings may also be factors for consideration.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
MedlinePlus 2010, Antisocial Personality Disorder, US National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000921.htm.