Evaluating Dysfunction in Cognition and Reward Among Offenders With Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a costly clinical condition. Previous studies identify executive dysfunction and reward sensitivity as factors contributing to APD. however, empirical evidence supporting the role of these factors in APD is mixed. The present study aimed to identify and specify APD-related dysfunction in cognitive and reward factors. In a sample of incarcerated males (N = 116), we administered three tasks targeting distinct cognitive (perception. executive functioning, and probabilistic decision-making) and reward (magnitude and consciousness) factors. APD was associated with impaired perception when high magnitude rewards were at stake, regardless of reward consciousness. APD was associated with worse executive functioning during conscious high rewards, as well as worse inhibition during high rewards when working memory demands were high. There was no APD-related performance difference during probabilistic decision-making. These findings expose the multifaceted nature of cognitive-affective dysfunction in APD, highlighting the importance of systematic research and providing insight into treatment targets.