DSM-5 for ASWB Practice Exam 2025 - Free ASWB Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

To diagnose Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), the individual must be at least 18 years old. This requirement is based on the DSM-5 criteria, which specifies that the patterns of behavior indicative of ASPD must occur in individuals who have reached adulthood.

The rationale for this age criterion is that adolescents may exhibit behaviors that could be interpreted as antisocial—such as violation of rules, deceit, or aggression—but these behaviors could also be a part of normal developmental challenges. The DSM-5 seeks to prevent misdiagnosis of teenagers who may not have a consistent pattern of this behavior that would warrant a diagnosis of ASPD until the individual is fully matured.

Therefore, the age of 18 is the established threshold when considering the criteria for diagnosis. This helps ensure that any diagnosis reflects a stable and enduring pattern of behavior consistent with the disorder rather than behaviors that are transient or context-specific in a younger person.