Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health disorder. This condition causes people to disrespect others, cause harm without remorse, and other destructive behaviors. Living with antisocial personality disorder can make it challenging to have healthy relationships or function in everyday life.
This article will outline what antisocial personality disorder is and how it’s treated. You will learn:
If you or a loved one lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Comprehensive treatment is available at Agape Behavioral. Contact our specialists to learn about your treatment options or to schedule an intake assessment.
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health disorder. It is one of ten known personality disorders. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), between 1% and 4% of adults in the United States live with ASPD.
A personality disorder affects how a person thinks, behaves, and feels. People with ASPD may have thoughts and emotions that cause them to interact with people differently. A person with ASPD may:
People diagnosed with ASPD exhibit antisocial behaviors. They may break the law or refuse to accept responsibility for their actions.
People with antisocial personality disorder may be dangerous to themselves or others. They may physically and emotionally harm people around them. They may also be at higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD) or abusing alcohol or drugs.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), symptoms of ASPD include:
People with ASPD may exhibit some or all of these symptoms. Each person’s expression of these symptoms is unique. Sometimes, people may only have certain symptoms without exhibiting others.
The symptoms of antisocial personality disorder can disrupt a person’s daily functioning. They can prevent people from having healthy relationships, maintaining work, and staying safe. People with ASPD may harm others without remorse.
People with symptoms of ASPD need to seek treatment. Treating antisocial personality disorder can lead to fewer symptoms and better functioning.
Mental health and medical experts do not understand exactly what causes antisocial personality disorder. Research suggests that genetics and family history may affect a person’s risk for developing ASPD. Those with a close family member with ASPD may have a greater chance of developing it.
Studies also show that brain biology may play a role in a person’s risk for ASPD. Some research suggests that changing serotonin levels may impact the brain and lead to symptoms of antisocial personality disorder.
Some known risk factors for ASPD include:
Without treatment, people with ASPD may be a danger to themselves or others. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the early signs of this condition. A doctor or mental health specialists will perform tests to rule out other conditions and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment for ASPD includes psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Here is an overview of what to expect during treatment.
There are no medications to treat personality disorders, including ASPD. However, people with this condition may take medications to manage other symptoms related to ASPD, including:
Medications may reduce symptoms related to ASPD and allow people to reduce harmful behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used forms of psychotherapy to treat ASPD. This type of therapy helps people identify and change harmful patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
People with antisocial personality disorder typically require long-term treatment and support to manage the symptoms of this condition.
If you or someone you love lives with antisocial personality disorder, effective treatment is available at Agape Behavioral. Contact our intake team now to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake assessment.
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