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

However, there are important differences that distinguish between the two conditions.

Both conditions are thought to be sparked by factors such as brain differences, genetics, and adverse experiences.

difficult relations in the couple

franckreporter/Getty Images

BPD may respond to psychotherapy and medication, but ASPD is very difficult to treat with psychotherapy.

Learn more about the differences between antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder so you could receive proper treatment.

Symptoms of ASPD vs. BPD

Both ASPD and BPD areCluster Bpersonality disorders in the DSM-5.

Cluster B disorders are characterized by overly emotional, dramatic, and unpredictable thinking and behavior.

However, the two conditions differ in important ways.

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by few emotions and affects more men than women.

In contrast, borderline personality disorder consists of extreme emotions and affects both men and women equally.

How are ASPD and BPD Diagnosed?

Because the two conditions share similarities, it is important to look for the key differences that differentiate them.

BPD can respond well to treatment, but ASPD can present more significant challenges.

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

Some evidence suggests that long-term therapy with CBT may help people gain insight and improve their behavior.

Can You Prevent ASPD or BPD?

There is no way to prevent antisocial personality disorder or borderline personality disorder.

ASPD is sometimes preceded by conduct disorder during childhood.

It’s possible to have both since many people have more than one personality disorder.

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.

Having both conditions is associated with an increased risk for psychopathy and violence.

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.

Ekselius L.Personality disorder: A disease in disguise.Ups J Med Sci.

5th ed, text revision.

Washington, D.C.; 2022.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Borderline personality disorder.

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].

Black DW.The treatment of antisocial personality disorder.Curr Treat Options Psych.