A Comparison of Features of the Antisocial Personality Style and Disorder


Personality Style

Personality Disorder

Prefer free-lancer living, and live-well behavior
Unable to sustain consistent work by their talents, skills, ingenuity, or wits
Tend to live by their own internal code of values and are not much influenced by others or society's norms
Fail to conform to social norms with regard to lawful behavior, performing antisocial acts that are grounds for arrest (rule breaking)
As adolescents were usually high-spirited hell-raisers and mischief makers
Irritable and aggressive, as indicated by physical fights or assaults
Tend to be generous with money, believing that as it is spent, more will turn up somewhere and somehow
Fail to plan ahead or are impulsive, as indicated by moving about without a prearranged job or clear goals
Tend to have wanderlust, but are able to make plans and commitments, albeit for limited time spans
Have no regard for the truth, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or "conning" others for personal profit or pleasure
Tend to be silver-tongued, gifted in the art of winning friends
Reckless disregard of their own and others' personal safety, as indicated by driving while intoxicated or recurrent speeding
Tend to be courageous, physically bold, and tough; will stand up to those who dare take to advantage of them
If parents or guardians, lack the ability to function as responsible parents
Tend not to worry too much about others, expecting others to be responsible for themselves
Have never sustained a totally monogamous relationship for more than one year
Have strong libidos, and while they may desire others, can remain monogamous for long periods
Lack remorse (feel justified in having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from others)
Tend to live in the present and do not feel much guilt
Repeatedly fail to honor financial obligations

Source: Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-IV Personality Disorders, by Len Sperry, M.D., Ph.D.