Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Kendra Cherry, MS, is an expert in psychosocial rehabilitation, psychology education, and the author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition marked by a profound disregard for the feelings and rights of others.

Individuals with ASPD often show little concern for moral standards or societal rules. They may behave aggressively, manipulate others, and engage in unlawful activities without remorse. Their actions can be cold and insensitive, frequently violating social norms.

While psychopathy is related to ASPD, research indicates not all who have ASPD meet the criteria for psychopathy. About one-third of individuals with ASPD exhibit psychopathic traits.

Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder

Common signs of ASPD include:

• Early onset behaviors in childhood such as setting fires, harming animals, and defying authority
• Frequent legal issues due to disregard for social rules and others' rights
• Impulsive actions without considering consequences
• Heightened aggression and irritability leading to physical confrontations
• Lack of empathy and inability to connect emotionally with others
• Absence of guilt or remorse for harmful actions
• Strained or abusive relationships, including potential neglect or abuse of children
• Habitual lying and deceit for personal benefit

These traits often cause significant challenges in various life domains. The core difficulty lies in the inability to comprehend or care about others' emotions and motivations, leading to harmful disregard.

In adulthood, ASPD can severely affect both the individual and those around them, increasing the likelihood of risky, dangerous, or criminal behavior. People with ASPD are frequently described as lacking conscience and remorse.

Diagnosing Antisocial Personality Disorder

Symptoms typically emerge in childhood, but diagnosis is not made until adulthood. Children who later develop ASPD often display aggressive outbursts and cruelty towards animals and peers.

Before age 18, these behaviors are classified as conduct disorder. To diagnose ASPD, an individual must have shown a pattern of violating others' rights before age 15 and be at least 18 years old at diagnosis. The diagnosis requires at least one of the following:

• Disregard for personal and others' safety
• Repeated law-breaking
• Impulsive behavior
• Frequent irritability and aggression
• No remorse for harmful acts
• Deceptive behaviors for gain or pleasure
• Consistent irresponsibility

Additionally, the antisocial behavior must not be attributable to other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Some experts argue that diagnostic criteria focus heavily on criminal behavior, which might lead to misdiagnosis, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged or urban environments where such behaviors may serve as survival mechanisms. This suggests the prevalence of ASPD could be overestimated.

Prevalence

The DSM-5 reports that between 0.2% and 3.3% of U.S. adults have ASPD, with a higher incidence in males than females.

Causes of Antisocial Personality Disorder

The exact origins of ASPD are unknown, but both genetic and environmental factors play significant roles.

Genetic Influences

ASPD is more prevalent among biological relatives of affected individuals, suggesting a strong hereditary component. Environmental factors may further influence its development.

Environmental Factors

Adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, and trauma are strongly linked to ASPD onset. Children raised in dysfunctional or abusive households may adopt maladaptive behaviors and struggle to develop empathy, self-discipline, and emotional regulation.

Brain Function and Prenatal Factors

Research indicates differences in the frontal lobe function of individuals with ASPD, affecting judgment and planning. Prenatal factors like maternal smoking during pregnancy may also increase risk. Those with ASPD often seek heightened stimulation, sometimes through risky or illegal activities.

Treatment Approaches for Antisocial Personality Disorder

Treating ASPD is challenging, as individuals rarely seek help voluntarily. Treatment often occurs following legal intervention.

Traditional punitive measures like incarceration tend to be ineffective, as those with ASPD often do not respond to punishment.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals recognize and alter harmful thought patterns, though success typically requires long-term commitment. Group therapy, family therapy, and mentalization-based therapy, which enhances understanding of one's own and others' mental states, show promising results.

Medications

While no drugs specifically treat ASPD, medications can address associated symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or mood instability. These may include:

• Anti-anxiety drugs
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Mood stabilizers

Managing Life with Antisocial Personality Disorder

ASPD can severely impair functioning, leading to incarceration, injury, or even death due to risky or criminal behaviors. It also negatively impacts employment, relationships, and social connections, potentially causing harm to others.

Most individuals with ASPD do not seek treatment independently. Those with stronger social support and healthier family relationships tend to have better outcomes.

If you have a loved one with ASPD, consulting a mental health professional can provide valuable coping strategies, including setting boundaries to protect yourself. Support groups and therapy may also offer essential resources and community.

For assistance, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to find local treatment and support services.

Explore more mental health resources through our National Helpline Database.

Learn more about personality disorders and psychology through related topics:

• Psychology
• Theories
• Personality Psychology

References are drawn from reputable, peer-reviewed studies to ensure accurate and trustworthy information.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, specializes in psychosocial rehabilitation and psychology education and authored the "Everything Psychology Book."

Explore useful articles in Theories of Psychology as of 02-10-2022. The article titled " Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the Theories of Psychology field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.

The " Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments " article expands your knowledge in Theories of Psychology, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.