Other disorders have behaviors in common with those associated with ASPD, making it crucial to examine them carefully before making a diagnosis. These include:
- Cluster B Personality Disorders:
   - Narcissistic Personality Disorder: due to patients lacking empathy and being exploitive as well.
   - Borderline Personality Disorder: due to patients being manipulative.
- Substance use disorder: it is crucial for physicians to make sure that impulsive behaviors do not stem from substance use before diagnosing a patient with ASPD.

Common overlaps between ASPD and other disorders

Diagnostic criteria for ASPD according to the DSM-5

Currently, there are no accepted methods used to diagnose ASPD. However, the DSM-5 has a list of four essential characteristics found in people with ASPD that can be used during a comprehensive psychiatric assessment of the person. In addition to that, the physician must also examine them physically and analyze their history. Only after combining those three pieces of information the physician can reach a conclusion. Even then it can be hard to be completely certain.

Tulane University

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5), ASPD is classified as a cluster B-disorder alongside with borderline, narcissistic, and histrionic disorders. People with these conditions struggle with interpersonal skills, having unpredictable and emotional interactions with others.

ASPD in the DSM 5

Fisher, K. A., &amp; Hany, M. (2023, May 8). Antisocial Personality Disorder. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546673/ 

National Library of Medicine: Antisocial Personality Disorder

Diagnosing ASPD

According to the DSM-5, antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a complete disregard for the rights and feelings of others. This disregard manifests in several ways, including repeatedly engaging in illegal acts, deceiving or conning others, acting with impulsivity and recklessness, showing irritability and aggression, and failing to fulfill responsibilities like paying debts. Specific examples of these behaviors include involvement in illegal enterprises, cruelty toward others, abandoning jobs with no alternative plans, having multiple sexual partners, getting into frequent fights, and showing reckless disregard for safety, such as through repeated arrests for driving while intoxicated. Individuals with this disorder feel no remorse for their actions and will manipulate, exploit, or abuse others without any sense of guilt.

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