Antisocial vs. Borderline Personality Disorder: What Are the Differences?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions

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Table of Contents

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

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Antisocial personality disorder(ASPD) andborderline personality disorder(BPD) share some common traits (they’re both personality disorders, after all). While there are some symptoms that overlap, it’s essential to remember that these are distinct conditions with some key differences.

The causes of these conditions and how they manifest can be strikingly different.

At a Glance

Symptoms of ASPD vs. BPD

ASPDFew emotionsDisregard for safetyManipulates for money/power/pleasureIrresponsibleLacks remorseMore common in menA person must be 18+ to be diagnosed with ASPDPsychotherapy is not effectiveBPDIntense, volatile emotionsFear of abandonmentIdealizes/devalues othersPoor self-esteemShifting identityEqually present in men and womenA person of any age can be diagnosed with BPDPsychotherapy can be effective

ASPDFew emotionsDisregard for safetyManipulates for money/power/pleasureIrresponsibleLacks remorseMore common in menA person must be 18+ to be diagnosed with ASPDPsychotherapy is not effective

Few emotions

Disregard for safety

Manipulates for money/power/pleasure

Irresponsible

Lacks remorse

More common in men

A person must be 18+ to be diagnosed with ASPD

Psychotherapy is not effective

BPDIntense, volatile emotionsFear of abandonmentIdealizes/devalues othersPoor self-esteemShifting identityEqually present in men and womenA person of any age can be diagnosed with BPDPsychotherapy can be effective

Intense, volatile emotions

Fear of abandonment

Idealizes/devalues others

Poor self-esteem

Shifting identity

Equally present in men and women

A person of any age can be diagnosed with BPD

Psychotherapy can be effective

ASPD Personality Traits

According to the DSM-5, people with antisocial personality disorder may exhibit the following behavioral characteristics:

BPD Personality Traits

People with BPD may have the following personality traits:

What Causes ASPD and BDP?

The exact causes of ASPD and BPD are not clear, but the two conditions share some risk factors in common. The following are known to increase the risk of a person developing a Cluster B personality disorder:

How are ASPD and BPD Diagnosed?

Because the two conditions share similarities, it is important to look for the key differences that differentiate them.  Both conditions involve severe problems with self-functioning and interpersonal functioning, but the way these symptoms manifest is somewhat different between ASPD and BPD.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”, 5th Edition, text revision(DSM-5-TR), a person with antisocial personality disorder must be at least 18 years old and have severe problems functioning in these two specific areas:

Borderline Personality Disorder

To be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a person must have severe problems functioning in both of these areas:

People with borderline personality disorder may display symptoms similar to ASPD. However, with ASPD, manipulation occurs as a way to get what a person wants (such as power or money), whereas with BPD, it occurs as a way to gain nurturance from others.

Treatments for ASPD and BPD

Antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder are both treated with therapy and medications, but they differ in terms of prognosis and outcomes. BPD can respond well to treatment, but ASPD can present more significant challenges.

Therapy for BPD and ASPD

Certain forms ofcognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT), such asdialectical behavior therapy(DBT) andmentalization-based therapy(MBT), have been extremely effective in treating BPD.

By contrast, ASPD is notoriously difficult to treat with psychotherapy.

People with the condition rarely seek treatment independently and may only come into contact with treatment due to arrest and incarceration. Some evidence suggests that long-term therapy with CBT may help people gain insight and improve their behavior.

Medications for BPD and ASPD

Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers can also help manage symptoms associated with BPDor ASPD, such as depression, aggression, or co-occurring disorders.

Can You Prevent ASPD or BPD?

There is no way to prevent antisocial personality disorder or borderline personality disorder. If you know that you have a family history of BPD, watching for signs and getting an early diagnosis and treatment may help improve outcomes.

Takeaways

Antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder are two distinct conditions, although they do have some overlapping features. It’s possible to have both since many people have more than one personality disorder. If you think you might have a personality disorder or you’re concerned about your mood and behavior, talk to your doctor. Only a trained mental health professional can diagnose you.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are just as many differences between ASPD and BPD as there are similarities, including:Symptoms: ASPD consists of few emotions, while BPD consists of extreme emotions, mood swings, and an inability to regulate emotions.Gender: Some research suggests that BPD is equally common in men and women, but men are less likely to seek treatment. By contrast, ASPD is around three to five times more common in men than women.Age: There is no age requirement for BPD. However, you must be 18 or over to be diagnosed with ASPD.Yes, it is possible to have both conditions at the same time. Having both conditions is associated with an increased risk for psychopathy and violence. Estimates vary, but research suggests that around 20% of men with borderline personality disorder also have antisocial personality disorder.While people with BPD may have some traits in common with ASPD, it is not a form of psychopathy. Antisocial personality disorder, on the other hand, is connected to psychopathy and sociopathy. Research indicates that around a third of people with ASPD can be considered psychopaths.Learn More:What Is a Psychopath?

There are just as many differences between ASPD and BPD as there are similarities, including:Symptoms: ASPD consists of few emotions, while BPD consists of extreme emotions, mood swings, and an inability to regulate emotions.Gender: Some research suggests that BPD is equally common in men and women, but men are less likely to seek treatment. By contrast, ASPD is around three to five times more common in men than women.Age: There is no age requirement for BPD. However, you must be 18 or over to be diagnosed with ASPD.

There are just as many differences between ASPD and BPD as there are similarities, including:

Yes, it is possible to have both conditions at the same time. Having both conditions is associated with an increased risk for psychopathy and violence. Estimates vary, but research suggests that around 20% of men with borderline personality disorder also have antisocial personality disorder.

While people with BPD may have some traits in common with ASPD, it is not a form of psychopathy. Antisocial personality disorder, on the other hand, is connected to psychopathy and sociopathy. Research indicates that around a third of people with ASPD can be considered psychopaths.Learn More:What Is a Psychopath?

While people with BPD may have some traits in common with ASPD, it is not a form of psychopathy. Antisocial personality disorder, on the other hand, is connected to psychopathy and sociopathy. Research indicates that around a third of people with ASPD can be considered psychopaths.

Learn More:What Is a Psychopath?

16 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ekselius L.Personality disorder: A disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235McClelland H, Cleare S, O’Connor RC.Suicide risk in personality disorders: A systematic review.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2023;25(9):405-417. doi:10.1007/s11920-023-01440-wAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Borderline personality disorder.Cattane N, Rossi R, Lanfredi M, Cattaneo A.Borderline personality disorder and childhood trauma: Exploring the affected biological systems and mechanisms.BMC Psychiatry. 2017;17(1):221. doi:10.1186/s12888-017-1383-2Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, comorbidity, and behavioral genetics of antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195‐199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08Brüne M.Borderline personality disorder: Why ‘fast and furious’?.Evol Med Public Health. 2016;2016(1):52-66. doi:10.1093/emph/eow002Zimmerman M.Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Merck Manual: Professional Version.Chapman J, Jamil RT, Fleisher C.Borderline personality disorder. In:StatPearls[Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.Black DW.The treatment of antisocial personality disorder.Curr Treat Options Psych. 2017;4(4):295-302. doi:10.1007/s40501-017-0123-zPascual JC, Arias L, Soler J.Pharmacological management of borderline personality disorder and common comorbidities.CNS Drugs. 2023;37(6):489-497. doi:10.1007/s40263-023-01015-6Ekselius L.Personality disorder: A disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, comorbidity, and behavioral genetics of antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195-199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Robitaille MP, Checknita D, Vitaro F, Tremblay RE, Paris J, Hodgins S.A prospective, longitudinal, study of men with borderline personality disorder with and without comorbid antisocial personality disorder.Bord Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2017;4(1):25. doi:10.1186/s40479-017-0076-2Abdalla-Filho E, Völlm B.Does every psychopath have an antisocial personality disorder?Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(3):241-242. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2019-0762Additional ReadingBateman A, O’Connell J, Lorenzini N, Gardner T, Fonagy P.A randomised controlled trial of mentalization-based treatment versus structured clinical management for patients with comorbid borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.BMC Psychiatry. 2016;16:304. doi:10.1186/s12888-016-1000-9Turner D, Sebastian A, Tüscher O.Impulsivity and cluster B personality disorders.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(3):15. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0768-8

16 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ekselius L.Personality disorder: A disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235McClelland H, Cleare S, O’Connor RC.Suicide risk in personality disorders: A systematic review.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2023;25(9):405-417. doi:10.1007/s11920-023-01440-wAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Borderline personality disorder.Cattane N, Rossi R, Lanfredi M, Cattaneo A.Borderline personality disorder and childhood trauma: Exploring the affected biological systems and mechanisms.BMC Psychiatry. 2017;17(1):221. doi:10.1186/s12888-017-1383-2Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, comorbidity, and behavioral genetics of antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195‐199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08Brüne M.Borderline personality disorder: Why ‘fast and furious’?.Evol Med Public Health. 2016;2016(1):52-66. doi:10.1093/emph/eow002Zimmerman M.Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Merck Manual: Professional Version.Chapman J, Jamil RT, Fleisher C.Borderline personality disorder. In:StatPearls[Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.Black DW.The treatment of antisocial personality disorder.Curr Treat Options Psych. 2017;4(4):295-302. doi:10.1007/s40501-017-0123-zPascual JC, Arias L, Soler J.Pharmacological management of borderline personality disorder and common comorbidities.CNS Drugs. 2023;37(6):489-497. doi:10.1007/s40263-023-01015-6Ekselius L.Personality disorder: A disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, comorbidity, and behavioral genetics of antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195-199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Robitaille MP, Checknita D, Vitaro F, Tremblay RE, Paris J, Hodgins S.A prospective, longitudinal, study of men with borderline personality disorder with and without comorbid antisocial personality disorder.Bord Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2017;4(1):25. doi:10.1186/s40479-017-0076-2Abdalla-Filho E, Völlm B.Does every psychopath have an antisocial personality disorder?Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(3):241-242. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2019-0762Additional ReadingBateman A, O’Connell J, Lorenzini N, Gardner T, Fonagy P.A randomised controlled trial of mentalization-based treatment versus structured clinical management for patients with comorbid borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.BMC Psychiatry. 2016;16:304. doi:10.1186/s12888-016-1000-9Turner D, Sebastian A, Tüscher O.Impulsivity and cluster B personality disorders.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(3):15. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0768-8

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Ekselius L.Personality disorder: A disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235McClelland H, Cleare S, O’Connor RC.Suicide risk in personality disorders: A systematic review.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2023;25(9):405-417. doi:10.1007/s11920-023-01440-wAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Borderline personality disorder.Cattane N, Rossi R, Lanfredi M, Cattaneo A.Borderline personality disorder and childhood trauma: Exploring the affected biological systems and mechanisms.BMC Psychiatry. 2017;17(1):221. doi:10.1186/s12888-017-1383-2Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, comorbidity, and behavioral genetics of antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195‐199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08Brüne M.Borderline personality disorder: Why ‘fast and furious’?.Evol Med Public Health. 2016;2016(1):52-66. doi:10.1093/emph/eow002Zimmerman M.Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Merck Manual: Professional Version.Chapman J, Jamil RT, Fleisher C.Borderline personality disorder. In:StatPearls[Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.Black DW.The treatment of antisocial personality disorder.Curr Treat Options Psych. 2017;4(4):295-302. doi:10.1007/s40501-017-0123-zPascual JC, Arias L, Soler J.Pharmacological management of borderline personality disorder and common comorbidities.CNS Drugs. 2023;37(6):489-497. doi:10.1007/s40263-023-01015-6Ekselius L.Personality disorder: A disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, comorbidity, and behavioral genetics of antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195-199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Robitaille MP, Checknita D, Vitaro F, Tremblay RE, Paris J, Hodgins S.A prospective, longitudinal, study of men with borderline personality disorder with and without comorbid antisocial personality disorder.Bord Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2017;4(1):25. doi:10.1186/s40479-017-0076-2Abdalla-Filho E, Völlm B.Does every psychopath have an antisocial personality disorder?Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(3):241-242. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2019-0762

Ekselius L.Personality disorder: A disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci. 2018;123(4):194-204. doi:10.1080/03009734.2018.1526235

McClelland H, Cleare S, O’Connor RC.Suicide risk in personality disorders: A systematic review.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2023;25(9):405-417. doi:10.1007/s11920-023-01440-w

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Borderline personality disorder.

Cattane N, Rossi R, Lanfredi M, Cattaneo A.Borderline personality disorder and childhood trauma: Exploring the affected biological systems and mechanisms.BMC Psychiatry. 2017;17(1):221. doi:10.1186/s12888-017-1383-2

Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, comorbidity, and behavioral genetics of antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195‐199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08

Brüne M.Borderline personality disorder: Why ‘fast and furious’?.Evol Med Public Health. 2016;2016(1):52-66. doi:10.1093/emph/eow002

Zimmerman M.Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Merck Manual: Professional Version.

Chapman J, Jamil RT, Fleisher C.Borderline personality disorder. In:StatPearls[Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

Black DW.The treatment of antisocial personality disorder.Curr Treat Options Psych. 2017;4(4):295-302. doi:10.1007/s40501-017-0123-z

Pascual JC, Arias L, Soler J.Pharmacological management of borderline personality disorder and common comorbidities.CNS Drugs. 2023;37(6):489-497. doi:10.1007/s40263-023-01015-6

Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK.Epidemiology, comorbidity, and behavioral genetics of antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy.Psychiatr Ann. 2015;45(4):195-199. doi:10.3928/00485713-20150401-08

Robitaille MP, Checknita D, Vitaro F, Tremblay RE, Paris J, Hodgins S.A prospective, longitudinal, study of men with borderline personality disorder with and without comorbid antisocial personality disorder.Bord Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2017;4(1):25. doi:10.1186/s40479-017-0076-2

Abdalla-Filho E, Völlm B.Does every psychopath have an antisocial personality disorder?Braz J Psychiatry. 2020;42(3):241-242. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2019-0762

Bateman A, O’Connell J, Lorenzini N, Gardner T, Fonagy P.A randomised controlled trial of mentalization-based treatment versus structured clinical management for patients with comorbid borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.BMC Psychiatry. 2016;16:304. doi:10.1186/s12888-016-1000-9Turner D, Sebastian A, Tüscher O.Impulsivity and cluster B personality disorders.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(3):15. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0768-8

Bateman A, O’Connell J, Lorenzini N, Gardner T, Fonagy P.A randomised controlled trial of mentalization-based treatment versus structured clinical management for patients with comorbid borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.BMC Psychiatry. 2016;16:304. doi:10.1186/s12888-016-1000-9

Turner D, Sebastian A, Tüscher O.Impulsivity and cluster B personality disorders.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(3):15. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0768-8

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