Assignment 1: Antisocial Personality Disorder vs. Borderline Personality Disorder

Assignment 1: Antisocial Personality Disorder vs. Borderline Personality Disorder

Discuss the similarities and differences between antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. What are the practice implications of these two disorders for forensic mental health professionals? Why do you think that substance use so often occurs along with these two disorders?

Post your responses in a minimum of 300 words.

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Introduction 

Personality disorders are segmented into three different clusters, each with their own set of diagnostic criteria. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) falls into Cluster B, which is characterized by highly dramatic, overly emotional thoughts and behaviors.  Also falling into Cluster B is Antisocial Personality Disorder. Since both disorders have overlapping symptoms, how do you know which of these two personality disorders you or a loved one may have?  Antisocial Personality Disorder Symptoms People who have Antisocial Personality Disorder have a tendency to manipulate, exploit, or violate the rights of others. Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder include the following: Aggression and getting into frequent physical altercations, Poor impulse control and neglecting to consider consequences, Irresponsibility (for example, the inability to hold a job or fulfill other obligations); Deceitfulness (as evidenced by regular lying or misrepresentation; Disregard for the safety of others and self, and general lack of remorse following mistreatment of others; Inability to conform to social norms, often engaging in illegal behaviors This pattern of violating others’ rights inevitably leads to an impaired ability to establish and sustain positive relationships with others….