Antisocial Personality Disorder

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Antisocial personality disorder is a chronic mental disorder where one’s thinking, perception and relationship with others is impaired. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder do not care about what is right or wrong, they do whatever they please. The one theme in their behavior is violating the rights of others and consistently ending up in conflicts. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder continue lie, are angry, violent and may abuse drugs and alcohol. The majority of these individual have problems with school and work.

Typical signs of this disorder include:
-Disregard and violating rights of others
-Persistent lying, cheating or fraudulent behavior
-Manipulative
-Persistent legal problems
-Threatening or intimidating others
-Aggressive and violent tendencies
-Lack of remorse
-Impulsive behavior
-Abusive relationships
-Irresponsible at work

Anti social personality disorder peaks during their 20s and diminishes over time. The chief reason for this decline is that many individuals end up in prison for their violent acts.

Why the disorder occurs is a mystery but it's believed that it's in their genes or acquired due to ones environment. Individuals at greatest risk for antisocial personality are those with a family history of mental problems, a history of childhood sexual or physical abuse, a chaotic or unstable childhood or suffered the loss of a parent at an early age.

Antisocial personality disorder occurs in about 5 percent of men and about 1 percent of women. As the disorder progresses, there is severe depression, anxiety, suicidal and reckless behavior, violence, risky and impulsive behavior, incarceration, alcohol and drug abuse and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.

Like many mental disorders, the treatment of anti social personality disorder is multidisciplinary. Treatment options vary from psychotherapy, to stress and anger management, to use of medications.

Psychotherapy and anger management are widely used to treat antisocial personality disorder but many with the disorder are not compliant with therapy. These individuals never voluntary seek treatment but only come to treatment when compelled to do so by law enforcement or risk of incarceration.

Unfortunately, there are no medications to cure this disorder, however, those who are depressed or anxious may be prescribed anti depressants or mood stabilizers. Extreme agitation or psychosis is often treated with anti psychotics. Those who are not able to manage themselves or are in danger of harming themselves or others are often admitted to the hospital.

The prognosis for antisocial personality disorder is poor. Most treatments do not work because those with the disorder are not compliant and refuse to seek help. Because there is no way to prevent this disorder, experts recommend identifying those at the highest risk such as children who are abused or neglected. Taking steps at an early age can help boost self esteem and increase confidence. Both parents and teachers may be able to spot signs of trouble early when behavior therapy can help make a big difference.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.