In-depth look at Antisocial Personality Disorder - signs and symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatment.

Antisocial personality disorder is a condition in which people show a pervasive disregard for the law and the rights of others. People with antisocial personality disorder may tend to lie or steal and often fail to fulfill job or parenting responsibilities. The terms "sociopath" and "psychopath" are sometimes used to describe a person with antisocial personality disorder.

Early adolescence is a critical time for the development of antisocial personality disorder. People who grow up in an abusive or neglectful environment are at higher risk, and adults who suffer from the disorder were usually showing behavioral problems before the age of 15. Antisocial personality disorder affects men three times as often as it does women and is much more prevalent in the prison population than in the general population.

Antisocial personality disorder is a chronic condition and represents one of the most difficult personality disorders to treat. However, psychotherapy and some medications may help alleviate symptoms. In many cases, the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder decrease as the person reaches middle age.

What are the signs and symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder?

The classic person with an antisocial personality is indifferent to the needs of others and may manipulate through deceit or intimidation. He or she shows a blatant disregard for what is right and wrong, may have trouble holding down a job, and often fails to pay debts or fulfill parenting or work responsibilities. They are usually loners.

People with antisocial personality disorder can be aggressive and violent and are likely to have frequent encounters with the law. However, some antisocial personalities may also possess a considerable amount of charm and wit.

DSM IV Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder

Defined as: A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years old, as indicated by 3 or more of the following:

• failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
• deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
• 2pt">impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
• irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
• reckless disregard for safety of self or others
• consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations

• lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another

The individual must be at least 18 years old.

There is evidence of Conduct Disorder with onset before age 15.

The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not associated with Schizophrenia or a Manic Episode.

Symptoms tend to peak during the late teenage years and early 20's and may improve on their own by a person's 40's.

What causes someone to develop Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Personality disorders are chronic behavioral and relationship patterns that interfere with a person's life over many years. To receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, a person must have exhibited behavior that qualifies for a diagnosis of conduct disorder during childhood.

The cause of antisocial personality disorder is unknown, but genetic factors and child abuse are believed to contribute to the development of this condition. People with an antisocial or alcoholic parent are at increased risk. Far more men than women are affected, and unsurprisingly, the condition is common in prison populations.

Fire-setting and cruelty to animals during childhood are linked to the development of antisocial personality.

What are the risk factors linked to Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Personality development is affected by genetic tendencies as well as environmental factors, such as childhood experiences. Most factors that increase the risk of developing antisocial personality relate to genetics and an abusive or neglectful childhood environment.

• Having suffered from child abuse
• Having a childhood environment of deprivation or neglect
• Having an antisocial parent
• Having an alcoholic parent
• Being involved in a group of peers that exhibit antisocial behavior
• Having an attention-deficit disorder
• Having a reading disorder