Antisocial Personality Disorder

An Antisocial Personality Disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is a mental disorder in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others.

Symptoms:

-Disregard for right and wrong.

-Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others.

-Being callous, cynical and disrespectful of others.

-Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or personal pleasure.

Causes:

Personality is the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviors that makes everyone unique. The exact causes of antisocial personality disorder isn’t known, but:

-Genes may make people vulnerable to developing antisocial personality disorder and life situations may trigger its development.

-Changes in the way the brain functions may have resulted during brain development.

Risk:

Certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing antisocial personality disorder such as,

-Diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder.

-Family history of antisocial personality disorder or other personality disorders or mental health disorders/

-Being subjected to abuse or neglect during childhood.

-Unstable, violent or chaotic family life during childhood.

Complications:

-Spouse abuse or child abuse or neglect.

-Problems with alcohol or substances use

-Being in jail or prison.

-Having other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Prevention:

There’s no sure way to prevent antisocial personality disorder from developing in those at risk. Because antisocial behavior is thought to have its roots in childhood, parents, teachers and pediatricians may be able to spot early warning signs.

Diagnosis:

People with antisocial personality disorder may not provide an accurate account of signs and symptoms.

Diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder is typically based on:

-A pychological evaluation that explores thoughts, feelings, relationship, behavior patterns and family history.

-Personal and medical history

Treatment:

Psychotherapy: Also called talk therapy, is sometimes used to treat antisocial personality disorder. This therapy may include anger, and violence management, treatment for alcohol or substance misuse, and treatment for other mental conditions.

Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications for conditions sometimes associated with antisocial personality disorders, such as anxiety or depression, or for symptoms of aggression.