Antisocial Personality Disorder in Women

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Lower than men; exact robust pooled female ASPD estimate NE
Is it more common among women? Lower than men; female ASPD may be under-recognized
Are women at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? Not established clean pooled sex RR
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among women? Yes / Somewhat
How might it look different? Antisocial behaviour may be less overtly violent/criminal and appear through deceit, exploitation, impulsivity, aggression or irresponsibility; avoid assuming female ASPD must resemble male forensic samples
What commonly occurs alongside it? Substance-use disorders; depression; anxiety; other personality disorders
What can it be confused with? BPD; NPD; substance-induced behaviour; bipolar mania; PTSD-related anger
Common screening tool PDQ-4 ASPD scale → structured personality-disorder interview
Separate screening tool for women None
1 of 14