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What is antisocial personality disorder?
Personality is the combination of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that makes you unique. It's the way you view, understand and relate to the outside world, as well as how you see yourself. Personality forms during childhood, shaped through an interaction of two factors: Inherited tendencies, or your genes. These are aspects of your personality passed on to you by your parents, such as shyness or having a happy outlook. This is sometimes called your temperament. It's the "nature" part of the nature vs. nurture debate. Environment, or your life situations. This is the surroundings you grew up in, events that occurred, and relationships with family members and others. It includes such things...
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antisocial personality disorder information from trusted sources:
Narcissism
Personality disorders are long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviors that cause serious problems with relationships and work. People with personality disorders have difficulty dealing with everyday stresses and problems. They often have stormy relationships with other people. The exact cause of personality disorders is unknown. However, genes and childhood experiences may play a role. Symptoms vary widely depending on the specific type of personality disorder. Treatment usually includes talk therapy and sometimes medicine. Read more on
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Antisocial personality disorder
Antisocial personality disorder is a type of chronic mental illness in which your ways of thinking, perceiving situations and relating to others are dysfunctional. When you have antisocial personality disorder, you typically have no regard for right and wrong. You may often violate the law and the rights of others, landing yourself in frequent trouble or conflict. You may lie, behave violently, and have drug and alcohol problems. And you may not be able to fulfill responsibilities to your family, work or school. Read more on
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Personality disorders
People with personality disorders have inflexible behaviors that interfere with their ability to function in society. Read more on
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Antisocial personality disorder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as "...a pervasive pattern of ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Antisocial Personality Disorder Symptoms, Treatments, Causes ...
Mar 16, 2011 ... To understand antisocial personality disorder (ASPD or APD), it is necessary to learn what having any personality disorder involves. ... Read more on
www.medicinenet.com
Antisocial Personality Disorder - Psych Central
General symptoms and treatment of antisocial personality disorder. Read more on
psychcentral.com
Antisocial Personality Disorder - InteliHealth:
Oct 16, 2008 ... Antisocial personality disorder, like other personality disorders, is a longstanding pattern of behavior and experience that impairs ... Read more on
www.intelihealth.com
Antisocial personality disorder definition - Medical Dictionary ...
Mar 16, 2011 ... Antisocial personality disorder: A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others and inability or unwillingness ... Read more on
www.medterms.com
Antisocial Personality Disorder - HealthyPlace
Nov 5, 2008 ... In-depth look at Antisocial Personality Disorder - signs and symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatment. Read more on
www.healthyplace.com
Antisocial Personality Disorder, Alcohol, and Aggression
by FG Moeller - Cited by 48 - Related articles Read more on
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Contents
Complications
Complications and problems that antisocial personality disorder may cause or be associated with include: Depression; Anxiety; Aggression or violence; Suicidal behavior; Reckless behavior; Risky sexual behavior; Child abuse; Alcohol or substance abuse; Gambling problems; Incarceration; Relationship difficulties; Social isolation; School and work problems; Strained relationships with health care providers
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Coping and support
Coping with antisocial personality disorder can be challenging. Having antisocial personality disorder makes it hard to engage in the behavior and activities that may help you feel better. Talk to your doctor or therapist about improving your coping skills, and consider these tips: Simplify your life. Cut back on obligations when possible, and set reasonable schedules for goals. Write in a journal to express pain, anger, fear or other emotions. Read reputable self-help books and consider talking about them to your doctor or therapist. Don't become isolated. Try to participate in routine activities and get together with family or friends regularly. Take care of yourself by eating a healthy...
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Exams and Tests
To receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, a person must have shown behaviors of conduct disorder during childhood.
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Lifestyle and home remedies
In addition to professional treatment, consider following these lifestyle and self-care steps for antisocial personality disorder: Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions, even if you don't feel like going. Take your medications as directed. Even if you're feeling well, resist any temptation to skip your medications. If you stop, symptoms may come back. You could also experience withdrawal-like symptoms from stopping a medication too suddenly. And don't take a higher dosage than what's been prescribed for you. Learn about your condition. Education about your condition can empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan. Pay attention to warning signs. Work...
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Medical advice
Call for an appointment with a mental health professional if:You have symptoms of antisocial personality disorder; Your child shows behaviors of this disorder
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Symptoms tend to peak during the late teenage years and early 20's. They may improve on their own by a person's 40's.
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Possible Complications
Preparing for your appointment
In some cases, a health care provider or other professional may ask you about your mood, thoughts or behavior. Your doctor may bring it up during a routine medical appointment if you seem to be sad, agitated or angry, for instance. Or you may decide to schedule an appointment with your family doctor or general practitioner to talk about your concerns.
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Prevention
There's no sure way to prevent antisocial personality disorder. Trying to identify those most at risk, such as children living with neglect or abuse, and offering early intervention may help. Taking steps to control your stress, increase your resilience and boost low self-esteem also may offer benefits. Getting appropriate treatment early, and sticking with it for the long term, may prevent symptoms from worsening.
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Risk factors
Although the precise cause of antisocial personality disorder isn't known, researchers have identified certain factors that seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering antisocial personality disorder, including: Being diagnosed with childhood conduct disorder; A family history of antisocial personality disorder or other personality disorders or mental illness; Being subjected to verbal, physical or sexual abuse during childhood; Having an unstable or chaotic family life during childhood; Loss of parents through death or divorce during childhood
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Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of antisocial personality disorder may include: Disregard for right and wrong; Persistent lying or deceit; Using charm or wit to manipulate others; Recurring difficulties with the law; Repeatedly violating the rights of others; Child abuse or neglect; Intimidation of others; Aggressive or violent behavior; Lack of remorse about harming others; Impulsive behavior; Agitation; Poor or abusive relationships; Irresponsible work behavior
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Tests and diagnosis
When doctors believe someone has antisocial personality disorder, they typically run a series of medical and psychological tests and exams. These can help rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms, pinpoint a diagnosis and also check for any related complications. These exams and tests generally include: Physical exam. This may include measuring height and weight, checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, listening to your heart and lungs, and examining your abdomen. Laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), screening for alcohol and drugs, and a check of your thyroid function. Psychological evaluation. A doctor or...
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Treatments and drugs
Antisocial personality disorder can be challenging to treat, and there's no specific treatment for it. You may not even want treatment or think you need treatment. But because antisocial personality disorder tends to be chronic and can sometimes last much of your adult life, you may need long-term treatment. You may also need treatment for other conditions you may have, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid disorders.
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