danger.
Individuals with antisocial personality disord er also tend to be consistently and ex-
tremely irresponsible (Criterion A6). Irrespon sible work behavior may be indicated by sig-
nificant periods of unemployme nt despite available job opportunities, or by abandonment
of several jobs without a realistic plan for ge tting another job. There may also be a pattern
of repeated absences fr om work that are not explained by illness either in themselves or in
their family. Financial irresponsibility is indicated by acts such as defaulting on debts, fail-
ing to provide child support, or  failing to support other dependents on a regular basis. In-
dividuals with antisocial personality disorder  show little remorse for the consequences of
their acts (Criterion A7). They  may be indifferent to, or provide a superficial rationaliza-
tion for, having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from someone (e.g., “life’s unfair,” “losers de-
serve to lose”). These individuals may blame the victims for being foolish, helpless, or
deserving their fate (e.g., “he had it coming  anyway”); they may minimize the harmful
consequences of their actions; or they may simply indicate complete indifference. They
generally fail to compensate or make amends  for their behavior. They may believe that
everyone is out to “help number one” and that  one should stop at nothing to avoid being
pushed around.
The antisocial behavior must not occur excl usively during the course of schizophrenia
or bipolar disorder (Criterion D).
Associated Features Supporting Diagnosis
Individuals with antisocial personality disord er frequently lack empathy and tend to be
callous, cynical, and contempt uous of the feelings, rights, and sufferings of others. They