Case Analysis: Antisocial Personality Disorder
People with antisocial personality disorder (ADP) behave in a manner that disregards another person’s rights. Many of the characteristics of antisocial personality disorder include, reckless behaviors toward oneself and others, aggression, difficulty planning, irritability, and impulsivity (Hansel & Damour, 2009). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders, antisocial personality disorder occurs in approximately 3% of males and 1% of females in the population (American Psychological Association, 2012). Additionally, people with antisocial personality disorder are manipulative toward others and initially behave in a charming, romantic, and loving manner (Hansel & Damour, 2009).
Oftentimes the terms psychopath and sociopath are associated with people who have antisocial personality disorder because of the similar characteristics and behaviors. For example, lack of deep emotional connection, impulsivity, and continuous violations of social norms are characteristics of ADP and psychopathy (American Psychological Association, 2012). The case of Theodore Bundy provides an analysis of a man who meets the criteria for someone who has antisocial personality disorder. Many people and theorists have been interested in the story behind Theodore Bundy and television producers made movie reenacting Theodore Bundy’s acts of violence against several women.
Theodore Bundy’s Background
Theodore Bundy was born in 1946 in Vermont and after his birth, he and his mother moved to Philadelphia. Theodore Bundy’s father was not a part of his life; however, Ted recalls his grandfather’s presence until his mother moved him to live with other family around age four to Washington, and Theodore was not happy about the move (Hansel & Damour, 2009). Theodore’s’ mother met a man who she later married, and bore four