Antisocial Personality Disorder

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:

• The symptoms of antisocial personality disorder
• What causes the condition
• How doctors diagnose antisocial personality disorder
• What happens during treatment for antisocial personality disorder
• Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment

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. 

What is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?

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:

• Take advantage of others for personal gain
• Deceive, lie to, or manipulate others
• Have a lack of remorse about harming others
• Disregard other people’s rights
• Ignore the law

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. 

What are the Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), symptoms of ASPD include:

• Impulsive or reckless behavior
• Feelings of intense anger
• Refusal to accept responsibility for their actions
• Lacking remorse 
• Not showing concern for others
• Feeling more powerful or better than other people
• A history of hostility, aggression, or violence toward others
• Disregard for the law
• Using charm and wit to manipulate others for personal gain

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. 

What Causes ASPD?

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:

• Experiencing childhood trauma
• Lower academic performance
• A history of being in jail or prison
• A family history of mental health conditions
• Being born male
• Diagnosis of a conduct disorder before the age of 15
• A personal or family history of substance use disorder (SUD)

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. 

What to Expect in Treatment for Antisocial Personality Disorder

Treatment for ASPD includes psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. Here is an overview of what to expect during treatment.

Medications

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:

• Antipsychotic medications
• Antidepressants
• Mood stabilizers

Medications may reduce symptoms related to ASPD and allow people to reduce harmful behaviors. 

Talk therapy

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.

Find Mental Health Treatment Now

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. 

References:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Antisocial Personality Disorder
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Antisocial Personality Disorder
3. Science Direct: The etiology of antisocial personality disorder: The differential roles of adverse childhood experiences and childhood psychopathology
4. Psychiatry Online: Special Report: Antisocial Personality Disorder—The Patient in Need Often Overlooked