Antisocial Personality Disorder

This overview is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self diagnosis. (Source – Psychology Today)

Antisocial Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of behaviour where a person disregards and violates the rights of the people around them. The most severe behaviour patterns associated with this condition are referred to as sociopathic or psychopathic- meaning that the person with the condition either has issues with their conscience or a complete lack of conscience,  for the people around them. People with this condition can be irritable, aggressive, and manipulative; and often end up in prison or as drug addicts and alcoholics.

 

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What are the primary symptoms/signs of the condition?

  • People with this condition tend to violate the physical or emotional rights of others
  • They lack stability in job and home life
  • They are irritable and aggressive
  • They lack remorse
  • They are consistently irresponsible
  • They are reckless and impulsive 
  • They are deceitful
  • They have a childhood diagnosis (or symptoms consistent with) conduct disorder, which refers to repetitive behavioural and emotional problems in children and adolescents.

 

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What factors can be contributing causes?

  • As with most personality disorders, the exact causes of the disorder are unknown, both environmental and genetic causes have been suggested. 
  • Genetic factors are suspected since the presence of antisocial behaviour is higher in people with a biological parent who displays antisocial characteristics. 
  • Environmental factors may also play a role as a person whose role model has antisocial tendencies is more likely to develop them too.

  • A general practitioner (GP) or psychologist can usually diagnose antisocial personality disorder by asking questions about a person’s medical history and symptoms.
  • The GP/psychologist will also inquire about a patient’s physical health to ensure that the antisocial mood is not caused as a result of a different mood disorder or an underlying medical condition, or by factors such as drug or alcohol use.
  • The GP/psychologist will check the symptoms that the patient presents with against the standard criteria for antisocial personality disorder before making a diagnosis.

What is the recommended treatment?

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder is one of the most difficult personality disorders to treat. Individuals rarely seek treatment on their own and may only start therapy when asked to do so by a court.
  • There is no clearly indicated treatment for antisocial personality disorder, however, the antipsychotic medication, Clozapine, has shown promising results in improving symptoms amongst men with the disorder.

  • About 3% of men and about 1% of women have an antisocial personality disorder.
  • It is the only personality disorder that is not diagnosable in childhood. To be diagnosed with this disorder at 18, a person must have been diagnosed with conduct disorder by the age of 15.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, here are some activities you can do at home until you are able to consult a professional;

  • Exercise
  • Engage in creative outlets such as writing, painting, or music
  • Keep a gratitude journal
  • Talk to a family member or friend about how you are feeling
  • Practice Mindfulness
  • Practice Yoga
  • Engage in a well-balanced diet
  • Maintain a good sleep schedule 
  • Recognise what you can and can’t handle

 

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