Antisocial Personality Disorder:Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a condition characterized by a lack of empathy and regard for other people. Show
People with antisocial personality disorder have little or no regard for right or wrong. They antagonize and often act insensitively or in an unfeeling manner. Individuals with this disorder may lie, engage in aggressive or violent behavior, and participate in criminal activity. Psychopathy is associated with antisocial personality disorder. However, research has shown that not every person with ASPD is a psychopath. Approximately one-third of people with antisocial personality disorder meet the criteria for psychopathy. Symptoms of Antisocial Personality DisorderThere are a number of defining symptoms of antisocial personality disorder. People with ASPD:
These characteristics often lead to major difficulties in many life areas. At its core, the inability to consider the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of other people can lead to harmful disregard for others. As adults, the disorder can be destructive to both the person living with it and those who come into contact with them. People with antisocial personality disorder are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, dangerous activities, and criminal acts. Those with the disorder are often described as having no conscience and feel no regret or remorse for their harmful actions. Diagnosis of ASPD Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder often begin during childhood, although the condition is often not diagnosed
until later in life. As children, it is common for those who develop this disorder to experience violent bursts of anger and show cruelty towards animals. They are also often described as bullies by their peers. While the condition may begin in childhood, it cannot be officially diagnosed before the age of 18. Kids who display these symptoms are diagnosed with conduct disorder. In order to be diagnosed with ASPD, a person must display a disregard and violation of the rights of others before the age of 15. This disregard is indicated by displaying at least one of seven symptoms:
In addition to displaying at least one of these symptoms, the person must be at least 18 years old and not display antisocial behavior as a result of another condition such as bipolar disorder to schizophrenia. According to some critics, the DSM diagnostic criteria are too focused on behaviors related to criminal actions. Concerns have been raised that the diagnosis may at times be misapplied to individuals in low socioeconomic or urban settings in which seemingly antisocial behavior may be a part of a protective survival strategy. Because of this, it is possible that the prevalence of this disorder has been overstated. PrevalenceAccording to the DSM-V, 0.2% to 3.3% of U.S. adults have antisocial personality disorder and the condition tends to affect men more than women. Causes of Antisocial Personality DisorderThe exact causes of antisocial personality disorder are not known. Personality is shaped by a variety of forces including nature and nurture. GeneticsASPD is more common among the first-degree biological relatives of those with the disorder than in the general population. Research suggests that ASPD is likely strongly linked to inheritance and that environmental influences probably exacerbate its development. UpbringingUpbringing can also have an important influence. Childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma have also been linked to the onset of ASPD. If a child's parents are abusive and dysfunctional, children may learn such behavioral patterns and later display them with their own kids. Kids who grow up in disorganized and neglectful homes also lack the opportunities to develop a strong sense of discipline, self-control, and empathy for others. Brain Differences A number of factors have been found to increase the risk of the disorder, including smoking during pregnancy and abnormal brain function. Research suggests that people with ASPD have differences in the frontal lobe, the area of the brain that plays a role in planning and judgment. People with the disorder also tend to require greater stimulation and may seek out dangerous or illegal activities to raise their arousal to an optimal level. Treatments for Antisocial Personality DisorderAntisocial personality disorder is difficult to treat for a number of reasons. People with the disorder rarely seek out treatment on their own. Those who do generally receive treatment only after some type of altercation with the legal system. While people with ASPD often come into contact with the criminal justice system, research suggests that incarceration and other punitive measures are largely ineffective since people with the condition are usually unresponsive to punishment. PsychotherapyCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be useful in helping individuals gain insight into their behaviors and to change maladaptive thought patterns. Effective results usually occur only after long-term treatment. Group and family therapy as well as mentalization-based therapy, which targets the ability to recognize and understand the mental state of oneself and others, have also been studied for ASPD and show promise. MedicationMedications may be used to treat some of the symptoms that a person with ASPDl may experience. Some of the medications that may be prescribed include:
Coping With Antisocial Personality DisorderAntisocial personality disorder often has a significant impact on a person's ability to function, which can make it difficult to cope with many aspects of life.
Most people with ASPD do not seek help on their own and intervention likely only happens due to legal problems. Research suggests that those who have the best outlook are those who have stronger social support and better spousal and family ties. If you have a loved one who has ASPD, you may find it helpful to talk to a mental health professional. They can help you learn coping skills that will help you set boundaries to protect yourself from harm. Group therapy and support groups may also be helpful resources of support and information. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
By Kendra Cherry
Thanks for your feedback! What type of therapy is used for antisocial personality disorder?Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is sometimes used to treat antisocial personality disorder. It's a talking therapy that aims to help a person manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave.
How do you deal with antisocial behavior?stay calm! remember that the person might not be aware that they are disturbing you. be aware that the person causing the problem might not be able to control their behaviour (for example, they might be ill, disabled or have behavioural problems) try to see things from the other person's point of view and be reasonable.
Who is most likely to develop antisocial personality disorder?The disorder occurs in men 6 times more often than in women. 80% of people with the disorder will have developed symptoms by the age of 11.
What are the 3 types of personality disorders?What types of personality disorder are there?. Paranoid personality disorder.. Schizoid personality disorder.. Schizotypal personality disorder.. |