Mental Health & ADHD Comorbidities

[Self-Test] Antisocial Personality Disorder

Take this antisocial personality disorder test to better understand the symptoms of this Cluster B personality disorder, which is also referred to as sociopathy and psychopathy.

By ADDitude Editors Verified Updated on September 15, 2022
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Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), also called sociopathy or psychopathy, is characterized by disregard for and violation of the rights of others.1 People with ASPD often engage in unlawful behaviors and display a reckless disregard for the safety of themselves and others. They often exhibit irritable and aggressive behaviors, and they may get into physical fights or assault others. Deceitfulness and manipulation are central to this personality disorder – people with ASPD may charm others to get what they want, then show little remorse for hurting or mistreating them.

ASPD is associated with consistent irresponsibility. People with ASPD may fail to honor financial and/or workplace obligations. They often act on impulse without much thought to consequences.

Apart from meeting symptom criteria, an individual can only be diagnosed with ASPD if they are at least 18 years old. They must also have exhibited symptoms of conduct disorder — characterized by aggression to people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and/or serious violation of rules – prior to age 15 to merit a diagnosis.

ASPD affects about 1% to 4% of the population2, and it is one of four Cluster B personality disorders, which include borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder. ASPD often co-occurs with other conditions, most notably substance use disorders.3 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has also been linked to ASPD, with one review finding that ADHD in childhood, with or without comorbid conduct disorder, is a predictor of later development of ASPD.4

To better understand the symptoms of ASPD in real life, answer the questions below and share the results with a licensed mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders.

This self-test was adapted from diagnostic criteria for ASPD outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is designed to screen for the possibility of ASPD, and it is for personal use only. This test is not intended as a diagnostic tool. Only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose ASPD.

I often lie to take advantage of or otherwise manipulate others to get what I want.

I’m told that I’m rude, unfriendly, and/or that I lack empathy.

I have a history of engaging in criminal behavior.

I often fail to fulfill financial, professional, or personal obligations.

I’m often impulsive and make spur-of-the-moment decisions without much regard for consequences.

I get into physical fights more often than do other people I know.

I am told that I hurt and/or mistreat people, and I don’t show remorse when I do so.

Others describe me as extremely reckless – even dangerous.

Others tell me I’m self-assured and think too highly of myself.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Antisocial Personality Disorder: Next Steps

View Article Sources

1American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Antisocial personality disorder. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).

2 Werner, K. B., Few, L. R., & Bucholz, K. K. (2015). Epidemiology, Comorbidity, and Behavioral Genetics of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy. Psychiatric annals, 45(4), 195–199. https://doi.org/10.3928/00485713-20150401-08

3 Thylstrup, B., Schrøder, S., & Hesse, M. (2015). Psycho-education for substance use and antisocial personality disorder: a randomized trial. BMC psychiatry, 15, 283. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-015-0661-0

4 Storebø, O. J., & Simonsen, E. (2016). The Association Between ADHD and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): A Review. Journal of attention disorders, 20(10), 815–824. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054713512150