Antisocial Personality Disorder
What is antisocial personality disorder?
Someone with antisocial personality disorder can intimidate others with no concern for them and no remorse for the distress they have caused. They may also have other problems such as, drug and alcohol misuse, criminal behaviour, anxiety or depression.
0.2% to 3% of the population have antisocial personality disorder and it is more commonly diagnosed in men.
Over 50% of people who are charged with criminal offences have a diagnosis of personality disorder, most commonly antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). This is because a main feature of ASPD is criminal behaviour. Some people with this diagnosis are also considered to have a ‘dangerous and severe personality disorder’. This is because they could pose a risk of harm to others, or have committed violent crime. ‘Dangerous and severe personality disorder’ is not a separate clinical diagnosis, but is a term used for people who have ASPD and are considered to pose a risk to others.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
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difficulty learning from their mistakes
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blaming others for their problems
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reckless and irresponsible behaviour not socially accepted
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difficulty maintaining long-term relationships
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don’t feel guilty or worry about the consequences of their actions
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find it hard to control their anger and become frustrated easily
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can manipulate others and be dishonest to them
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deliberate destruction of other’s property
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seeing others as vulnerable and bullying them
Causes
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Genes and environment can make some people more vulnerable to developing antisocial personality disorder.
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Children who did not receive close contact, love, care and affection from their parents and whose parents did not supervise them or have high educational hopes for them were seen to be more likely to have antisocial personality disorder later in life.
Outlook
People with this condition can find it hard to identify with it and don’t see any wrong in their behaviour. This means that they don’t seek help and often are seen going in and out of the criminal justice system because of their behaviour. Criminal behaviour being punished through prison sentences can reduce the offending behaviour but this usually still continues into middle age without help. Sometimes court ordered therapy can be given. However, realising there is a problem and wanting to change will open the door to social and mental health support.
Treatment
When ready and willing to receive treatment, group-based cognitive and behavioural therapies are a good way to start addressing the criminal and offensive behaviour. If there are drug or alcohol problems these may need to be treated first before the therapy for antisocial behaviour.
Access the Treatments page for more information
Personality Disorders Plymouth