ASPD Core Traits Assessed 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which developmental prerequisite is required for a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder in adults?
- Evidence of narcissistic traits before age 18
- Evidence of Conduct Disorder symptoms before age 15 (Correct answer)
- A history of childhood trauma or abuse
- Diagnosis of ADHD in childhood
Correct answer: Evidence of Conduct Disorder symptoms before age 15
DSM-5 requires evidence of Conduct Disorder with onset before age 15 to diagnose ASPD in adults.
Question 2: A key difference between impulsivity in ASPD and impulsivity in Bipolar Disorder is that in ASPD, impulsivity is:
- Tied to mood episodes and cycling
- Trait-level and persistent regardless of mood state (Correct answer)
- Only present during depressive episodes
- Exclusively triggered by substance use
Correct answer: Trait-level and persistent regardless of mood state
In ASPD, impulsivity is a stable personality trait present across situations, not episodic or mood-dependent.
Question 3: Which trait in ASPD specifically involves making decisions on the spur of the moment without considering consequences?
- Deceitfulness
- Impulsivity / failure to plan ahead (Correct answer)
- Reckless disregard for safety
- Lack of remorse
Correct answer: Impulsivity / failure to plan ahead
Impulsivity and failure to plan ahead is a distinct DSM-5 criterion, reflecting an inability to consider future consequences.
Question 4: When evaluating ASPD, clinicians look for a pattern of disregard for others' rights that began by at least age:
- 10
- 12
- 15 (Correct answer)
- 18
Correct answer: 15
DSM-5 specifies that Conduct Disorder — the precursor to ASPD — must have had onset before age 15.
Question 5: A person with ASPD consistently puts themselves and others in dangerous situations for excitement. Which criterion does this reflect?
- Deceitfulness
- Lack of remorse
- Reckless disregard for safety of self or others (Correct answer)
- Failure to sustain consistent work behavior
Correct answer: Reckless disregard for safety of self or others
Reckless disregard for one's own safety or the safety of others is a specific DSM-5 criterion for ASPD.
Question 6: Which statement about remorse in ASPD is most accurate?
- Individuals with ASPD feel remorse but suppress it publicly
- Remorse is typically absent or rationalized away after harming others (Correct answer)
- Remorse is only absent when the individual is intoxicated
- Individuals with ASPD experience heightened guilt compared to the general population
Correct answer: Remorse is typically absent or rationalized away after harming others
ASPD is characterized by lack of remorse — individuals either feel none or rationalize their harmful actions to avoid guilt.
Question 7: In ASPD, 'failure to sustain consistent work behavior' is an example of which broader trait domain?
- Callousness
- Irresponsibility (Correct answer)
- Antagonism
- Psychoticism
Correct answer: Irresponsibility
Chronic irresponsibility — including work instability and failure to honor financial obligations — is a core ASPD criterion.
ASPD Core Traits Assessed 3
Which developmental prerequisite is required for a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder in adults?