Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Theories Regarding The Development of Antisocial Behavior

A great deal of concern currently exists over the increasing surge of crime and violence among young people, not only in the United States, but also in many other countries in the industrialized world as well as in third world countries with emerging economies. The fear of violence and crime has created climates of intimidation in many communities. Disruptive behavior disorders account for the highest rates of referral to mental health services for adolescents. In their more severe and pervasive forms, these disorders include those adolescents who are considered juvenile delinquents and those who exhibit criminal behavior. The care and management of these youngsters involve substantial financial costs to society. We also know that a sizeable proportion of those children who exhibit antisocial behaviors become adults who are antisocial personalities. This article highlights issues relevant to classification and diagnosis of antisocial behaviors, the evolution of the diagnostic classification of antisocial disorders, the psychoanalytic understanding of the syndrome, and how it relates to current developmental theories and to the evolution of concepts about personality development. The epidemiology of the disorder, including the importance of associated risk factors, is also discussed.