There are people who think and act with no regard for others. Worse yet, their actions can cause significant harm to others—and they don’t feel any sense of guilt or remorse. If these people show any concern, it is done in a manipulative fashion only to get what they want or need. Those who display this kind of cruel behavior have a mental disorder called antisocial personality disorder. The deception and indifference those with his disorder show causes tremendous harm to family, friends, and others in their community. This article will further explain the question of what is antisocial personality disorder.
What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?
So what is antisocial personality disorder?
Sometimes referred to as sociopathy, antisocial personality disorder is a mental disorder where people show no regard for what is right and wrong. Those with this disorder ignore the rights of others and disrespect them as human beings. Those with antisocial personality disorder seem cold, callous, and indifferent to others. Disturbingly, people with this disorder engage in behaviors that are often criminal and often abuse drugs and alcohol.
It is estimated that 3% of the U.S. population has antisocial personality disorder, and that men are six times more likely to develop this disorder when compared to women. It is thought that genetics plays a role in the disorder’s development, as well as having a family history. Children diagnosed with conduct disorder or ADHD are also at an increased risk. Additionally, children who experience physical and emotional neglect have an increased probability of developing sociopathy.
What are the Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder?
As stated in the previous section, teenagers diagnosed with conduct disorder are more likely to develop antisocial personality disorder when they age. For those with conduct disorder, the common symptoms include the following and provide the baseline symptoms if they become sociopathic:
- Aggression toward people and animals
- Destruction of property
- Deceitfulness
- Theft
When people cross over into antisocial personality disorder, the hallmark symptoms are a lack of regard for other people’s rights and feelings and constantly violating those boundaries. The common symptoms of sociopathy include:
- Repeated criminal acts
- Manipulating or conning others for profit or pleasure
- Impulsive actions and behavior
- Repeated physical fights or assaults
- Disregard for the safety of oneself or others
- Irresponsibility at work or in financial obligations
- Lack of remorse
For someone to be officially diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, they must display at least three of the above symptoms. The best way to address and manage these behaviors for those affected by this mental disorder is through antisocial personality behavior treatment.
Treatment for Antisocial Personality Disorder
For those with antisocial personality disorder, treatment can be complicated. While there are cases where symptoms improve as one ages, this typically won’t occur until someone reaches their 40s.
Treatment for antisocial personality disorder focuses heavily on therapy. The primary therapy used in this type of treatment is psychotherapy. This type of talk therapy helps patients identify negative behaviors and help build healthy interpersonal skills. Psychotherapy can help those with sociopathy curb the impulsive behaviors that lead to harm towards others.
Medications such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants may also be helpful in antisocial personality behavior treatment, but there are no FDA-approved medications for the disorder itself. Since people with this disorder tend to abuse substances, treatment for antisocial personality disorder must have a dual diagnosis component.
Finding Treatment for Antisocial Personality Disorder in Santa Monica, CA
If a loved one is needing treatment for antisocial personality disorder, you may not know where to look or know whom to ask which treatment options are best. While your loved one needs specialized help, they may not be able to commit significant time away from family, work, or school. Are there antisocial personality disorder treatment programs that are effective and proven to work but allow people to live at home?
Thrive Treatment is an outpatient treatment facility in Santa Monica specializing in mental health and substance abuse. Our evidence-based approach will give your loved ones the tools and support they need to effectively manage their antisocial personality disorder.
Our Southern California treatment programs are dynamic and individualized to meet your loved one’s specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health and intervention services in Santa Monica, CA.
