Antisocial Personality Disorder

A healthcare provider who specializes in mental health conditions, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, will diagnose antisocial personality disorder. They’ll perform a psychological evaluation. This is a method to evaluate a person’s thoughts and behaviors which look for patterns that relate to antisocial personality disorder. Providers refer to the diagnostic criteria listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses, or DSM-5-TR (in the latest version, “TR” stands for “text revision”). This is the American Psychiatric Association’s professional guide to mental health conditions.

Most people who experience antisocial personality disorder don’t seek a diagnosis on their own. A mental health evaluation is usually requested by a court of law.

Antisocial personality disorder test

No self-assessment, blood test or imaging exam can diagnose antisocial personality disorder. If certain signs or behaviors raise a red flag, seek medical attention. You may first choose to see a primary care physician (PCP). They’ll consider your health history, perform a physical exam and assess your symptoms. Your provider will refer you to see a psychiatrist or psychologist for a mental health evaluation, which leads to an ASPD diagnosis.

Differential diagnosis for antisocial personality disorder

A differential diagnosis is a way for your healthcare provider to distinguish between several health conditions that share similar symptoms. Certain conditions can mimic antisocial personality disorder, so your healthcare provider may refer to the following conditions before making an official diagnosis:

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD), or unstable moods and manipulative behavior.
• Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), or an inflated sense of self-importance.
• Substance use disorder, or a dependence on drugs or alcohol.