About this course
This course provides an in-depth examination of the complex comorbidity between antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and substance use disorders (SUD). It explores diagnostic criteria, psychological and neurobiological mechanisms, developmental trajectories, clinical characteristics, and treatment challenges specific to this dual-diagnosis population. Emphasis is placed on enhancing clinical sophistication and guiding personalized intervention strategies for psychologists and mental health clinicians working with this high-risk group.
Who this course is for
Psychologists
Clinical Social Workers
Psychiatrists
Addiction Counselors
Mental Health Clinicians
Program objectives
- Describe the relationship between antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and substance use disorders (SUD), including prevalence and comorbidity patterns.
- Identify three psychological pathways that link ASPD to substance use, including impulsivity, traumatization, and affective dysregulation.
- Explain four key diagnostic criteria-level associations between ASPD and substance use disorders, and their implications for treatment engagement.
- Summarize the clinical characteristics and cognitive impairments associated with dual-diagnosis ASPD–SUD presentations and their impact on treatment outcomes.
- Evaluate current challenges and evidence-based approaches in assessment and treatment planning for individuals with comorbid ASPD and SUDs.