Antisocial personality disorder is basically characterised by a lack of empathy and respect for the other people. People with antisocial personality disorder might be fun to be with but they can also lie to other people and use other people for their own benefits as well. This disorder is also known as sociopathy which is a mental health disorder and people with this disorder violates the rights and regulations of the society. They also try to manipulate other people and treat them in a harsh way without a feeling of guilt in them.
A terribly challenging form of personality disorder known as antisocial personality disorder is marked by impulsive, aggressive, and often criminal behaviour. Antisocial personality disorder falls on a scale, just like other personality disorders, therefore its severity can range from occasional bad behaviour to consistently violating the law and committing significant crimes. Antisocial personality disorder is thought to have a severe variety in the name of psychopaths. Consult Dr.R.K.Suri, the best clinical psychologist in Dwarka, South-West Delhi, to understand more about anti social personality disorder and learn different ways to manage its symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of Antisocial personality disorder
- They exploit others, use manipulation or may also violate the rights of other people.
- Lack of empathy, regret, or guilt for the suffering of others
- Act carelessly and disrespect what is considered proper social behaviour
- Struggle to maintain long-term connections
- Have trouble controlling their anger
- Lack remorse or fail to learn from their mistakes and errors
- Criticize others of causing their troubles
- Breaking the law repeatedly
- Their irritability and aggressiveness often turn into fights
- Lie frequently for their own benefits
Who develops antisocial personality disorder?
Men are more affected by this disorder as compared to women. Some people may develop this disorder if they are abused in their childhoods, either there is abuse or neglect in their childhood. Researchers have also shown that there might be some family circumstances behind this disorder. Parental conflict and strict, uneven parenting are frequent, and one or both parents may abuse alcohol. These kinds of developmental challenges frequently result in behavioural issues during adolescence and maturity.
Diagnosis of Antisocial personality disorder
Although antisocial personality disorder is frequently not identified until later in life, symptoms frequently start throughout childhood. Children who grow up with this disorder frequently exhibit violent outbursts of anger, animal abuse, and are labelled as bullies among the classmates.
Usually kids who show these symptoms are known to have Conduct Disorder. Before the age of 15, a person must exhibit a disrespect for and violation of the rights of others in order to be diagnosed with ASPD. This indifference is demonstrated by at least one of the following seven symptoms:
- Don’t regard the safety of others
- Don’t follow the rules
- Their behaviour is impulsive
- They are irritable and show aggressive behaviour
- Lack of guilt for whatever they are doing
- Manipulating others for their own benefits and amusements
- They are quite irresponsible
Causes of Antisocial Personality Disorder
Genetics
It is more common in first degree biologically recognised relatives. Researchers have said that it is more linked to inheritance and the environmental factors exaggerate them.
Upbringing
Additionally, upbringing can have a significant impact. Trauma, abuse, and neglect in childhood have all been connected to the development of ASPD. 6 Children may pick up on these behavioural patterns from dysfunctional, abusive parents and eventually use them with their own children. Children who are raised in chaotic and neglectful environments do not have the chance to learn strong self-control, discipline, and empathy skills.
Brain differences
It has been determined that a number of things, such as smoking while pregnant and abnormal brain activity, raise the risk of the disorder. According to research, those who suffer from ASPD have abnormalities in the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for planning and judgement.
Treatments of Antisocial Personality Disorder
ASPD is difficult to treat because there are a number of reasons. People with this disorder also don’t want to go under treatment of any form. Those who have gone through some treatment or are going under some treatments might have some conflicts with the legal system.
Psychotherapy
Antisocial personality disorder is often treated with psychotherapy which is known as the talk therapy. Treatment for other mental health issues, treatment for alcohol or substance abuse, and management of anger and violence are a few examples of therapies.
However, psychotherapy is not always successful, particularly if symptoms are strong and the patient refuses to acknowledge that they are a part of significant issues. One form of psychotherapy is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy also known as CBT. It helps people by giving insights into how they are behaving so that they can change the way they are behaving.
Medication
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any particular drugs specially to treat antisocial personality disorder. Aggression symptoms or disorders like sadness or anxiety that are occasionally linked to antisocial personality disorder may be treated with medication. Certain medications are typically provided with caution due to the possibility of abuse. Some medicines that might be used are:
- Some anti-anxiety medicines
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotic medicines and
- Mood stabilizers
Talking to a mental health expert like Dr.R.K.Suri, the best clinical psychologist in Dwarka, South-West Delhi, may be useful if you have a loved one who has ASPD. They can assist you in developing coping mechanisms that will enable you to establish protective limits for yourself. Support groups and group therapy may also be beneficial sources of information and support. You can also go for online therapy and online counselling where an online counsellor will help and assist them in handling their behaviour.
