Confusable diagnoses · PANCE / PANRE

Antisocial Personality Disorder vs Histrionic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders

Antisocial Personality Disorder and Histrionic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders are easy to mix up on the boards. Here's a side-by-side comparison — presentation, workup, imaging, and first-line treatment — drawn from our full outlines.

Antisocial Personality Disorder vs Histrionic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders at a glance

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder: Pervasive disregard for and violation of the rights of others since age 15, with conduct disorder before age 15.
  • Histrionic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders: Cluster B (dramatic/emotional/erratic): histrionic features excessive emotionality and attention-seeking; narcissistic features grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
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Side-by-side comparison

FeatureAntisocial Personality DisorderHistrionic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders
At a glancePervasive disregard for and violation of the rights of others since age 15, with conduct disorder before age 15.Cluster B (dramatic/emotional/erratic): histrionic features excessive emotionality and attention-seeking; narcissistic features grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
Classic presentation>=3 of 7 criteria since age 15: failure to conform to social/legal norms (arrests); deceitfulness (lying, conning); impulsivity; irritability and…
Workup / key labsDSM-5-TR: (A) >=3 of 7 antisocial criteria since age 15; (B) >=18 years old; (C) Conduct disorder with onset before age 15; (D) Antisocial behavior not…General PD criteria + ≥5 disorder-specific items by early adulthood; pervasive; impairment; not better explained by other disorder or substance.; Clinical…
ImagingNot routinely indicatedNot indicated
First-line treatmentTreat comorbid substance use disorder — often the most modifiable contributor to behavior; Treat comorbid depression, anxiety, and ADHD; avoid stimulants and…Individual psychotherapy is the mainstay; HPD: psychodynamic, supportive, or cognitive therapy targeting attention-seeking patterns and shallow emotional…

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Educational use only. This outline is a study aid for PA students and is not medical advice or a substitute for clinical judgment. FirstPassPA is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NCCPA. PANCE® and PANRE® are registered trademarks of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.