What is the strongest risk factor for developing antisocial personality disorder?

The strongest risk factor for developing antisocial personality disorder is a history of conduct disorder. Conduct disorder, which typically emerges in childhood or adolescence, is characterized by a consistent pattern of violating the rights of others or societal norms. This can include behaviors such as aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness, or serious violations of rules.

Individuals with a history of conduct disorder are at a significantly higher risk of developing antisocial personality disorder in adulthood because conduct disorder often serves as a precursor to this more severe personality disorder. The behavioral patterns and psychological traits developed during the conduct disorder phase can evolve and intensify over time, solidifying the traits associated with antisocial personality disorder.

While factors such as gender, the presence of major depressive disorder, and a familial history of psychiatric disorders can contribute to the risk of developing various mental health issues, they do not directly correlate with the specific progression to antisocial personality disorder as strongly as a history of conduct disorder does. Thus, the direct link between early behavioral problems and the later development of antisocial personality traits underscores why a history of conduct disorder is considered the most significant risk factor.