Antisocial Personality Disorder Part 2

Antisocial personality disorder occurs in 5 % of men and about 1% of women, but these numbers are believed to be under estimates. As the disorder progresses, there is severe depression, anxiety, suicidal and reckless behavior, violence, risky and impulsive behavior, incarceration, alcohol and drug abuse and difficult interpersonal relationships. The majority end up being loners. The diagnosis of antisocial personality is based on the history.


Like many mental disorders, the treatment of anti social personality disorder is multidisciplinary. Treatment options vary from psychotherapy, stress and anger management and use of medications.

Psychotherapy and anger management are widely used to treat antisocial personality disorder but most of these individual have very little insight into their behavior and are not compliant with therapy. These individuals never voluntary seek treatment but only come to treatment when compelled to do so by law enforcement or risk incarceration.

Unfortunately there are no medications to cure this disorder. However, those who are depressed or anxious may be prescribed anti depressants or mood stabilizers. Extreme agitation or psychosis is often treated with anti psychotics. Those who are not able to manage themselves or in danger of harming themselves or others are often admitted to the hospital.

The prognosis for antisocial personality disorder is poor. Most treatments do not work chiefly because these individuals are not compliant with therapy and refuse to seek help. Because there is no way to prevent this disorder, experts recommend identifying those at the highest risk such as children who are abused or neglected. Taking steps at an early age can help boost self esteem and increase confidence. Both parents and teachers may be able to spot signs of trouble in early childhood and this is the point in time when behaviour therapy can help make a big difference in outcomes.

Antisocial Personality Disorder Part 1

Antisocial personality disorder is a chronic mental disorder where one’s thinking, perceiving things and relationship with others is impaired. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder do not care about what is right or wrong, they do whatever they please. The one current theme in their behavior is violating the rights of others and consistently ending up in conflicts. These individuals continue to lie, are angry, violent and also abuse alcohol and drugs. The majority of these individual have problems at home, school and at work.


Typical signs of this disorder include

Disregard and violating rights of others

Persistent lying, cheating or fraudulent behavior

Manipulative

Persistent legal problems

Threatening or intimidating others

Aggressive and violent tendencies

Lack of remorse

Impulsive behavior

Abusive relationships

Irresponsible at work

Anti social personality disorder peaks in the 20s and then the behaviour diminishes over time. The chief reason for this decline is that many individuals end up in prison for their violent acts.

Why the disorder occurs is a mystery but believed to be related to bad genes, bad environment or just bad luck. Individuals at greatest risk for antisocial personality are those who have a family history of mental problems, history of childhood sexual or physical abuse, having a chaotic or unstable childhood or loss of a parent at an early age.