A personality disorder characterized by a lack of conscience for wrongdoing, often aggressive and ruthless or a clever con artist.

• A. Antisocial Personality Disorder
• B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• C. Borderline Personality Disorder
• D. Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer: (A)

This item is about a pervasive pattern of showing little or no regard for the rights and feelings of others, often with deceit, manipulation, and a lack of remorse. That combination is the hallmark of Antisocial Personality Disorder. When someone is described as a clever con artist or aggressively ruthless, the emphasis is on a long-standing tendency to exploit others for personal gain without feeling guilt or empathy. That enduring pattern differentiates antisocial personality disorder from other personality disorders.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder centers on grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy as it relates to self-importance. Borderline Personality Disorder features intense, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, and impulsivity driven by affective instability. Histrionic Personality Disorder involves excessive emotionality and a strong need to be the center of attention. The scenario’s focus on disregarding others’ rights, deceit, and aggression makes antisocial personality disorder the best fit.