Signs and symptoms of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) start as early as adolescence. It is a pattern of behavior where individuals do not follow any rules and do not respect other individuals. It starts with disrespecting parents and other family members and grows into making a person delinquent.
When unaddressed at an early stage, often these individuals have a criminal record and more likely to have failed relationships due to a lack of respect for others.
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Diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder
Disregard for others and societal rules starting in early teenage is the first sign to observe for ASPD.
- Disrespect for others and law, behavior that can make them to get arrested.
- repeated lying, deceit, conning others
- failure to plan
- reckless driving and not following any safety norms
- lack of remorse in hurting others
- Age 18+
- Evidence of misconduct
- Symptoms must start before the age of 15
Following points must be noted before diagnosing antisocial personality disorder
- Serious aggression towards others and even animals
- destruction of property
- Theft or deceitfulness
- violation of rules in safety and others
Risk factors
As individuals with an antisocial personality disorder do not follow societal norms and rules, they are always at risk of indulging in criminal behavior and getting arrested.
- These individuals get repeatedly arrested for
- destroying property
- stealing
- harassing others
- deceit other for money or sex
- As they do not follow safety norms, they are at high risk of accidents
- being irresponsible, they do not take up opportunities, including job opportunities.
- being irresponsible makes them bad parent or partner
- they have a history of multiple sex partners and do not sustain monogamy.
- they tend to be easily bored and experience depression and anxiety.
Causes
Genetic factors
Genetics plays a major role in ASPD. Having a family member with ASPD risks for both males and females. Having a family member with this disorder can cause somatic symptoms in females and personality disorder in males.
Parenting
Children with parents having antisocial personality disorder, substance abuse disorder tend to develop this disorder. Adopted and biological children of Parents having ASPD tend to develop this disorder.
Treatment
This pervasive pattern of behavior is difficult to treat. And due to criminal behavior, aggression even the management of symptoms become difficult.
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Medications
Anti-depressants and anti psychotics are prescribed to control symptoms of depression and aggression. When uncontrollable, patients are kept in isolation rooms with intensive care.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavior therapy is used to change maladaptive thinking and behavior. Family therapy or group therapy seems to benefit more in ASPD.
Related: 5 psychologist to consider for online therapy.
