Antisocial Personality Disorder
(ASPD)
Definition
Those with ASPD tend to manipulate others or treat others either harshly or with callous indifference. They may lie, behave violently or impulsively, and have problems with drug and alcohol use.
ASPD affects a person's regular activity. For example, if someone with ASPD is in a relationship with someone, they will constantly hurt and disappoint their partner due to their lack of understanding the feelings of others. With time and opportunity, they will demonstrate unacceptable and hurtful behaviour towards that someone/partner.
Risk Factors
While the exact causes of this disorder have not yet been determined, environmental and genetic factors play a role in this mental illness. Some people may have genes that make them vulnerable to developing antisocial personality disorder, and life situations may trigger its development. Environmental factors are believed to contribute to the development of antisocial personality disorder since a person whose role model had antisocial tendencies is more likely to develop the disorder.
Other risk factors include:
- Diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder
- Verbal, physical or sexual abuse during childhood
- Dysfunctional or chaotic family life
- Loss of parents through traumatic divorce during childhood
About 3 percent of men and about 1 percent of women have antisocial personality disorder, with much higher percentages among the prison population
Symptoms
- Disregard for right and wrong
- Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others
- Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or for sheer personal pleasure
- Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behaviours
- Poor or abusive relationships
- Irresponsible work behaviour
- Failure to learn from the negative consequences of behaviour
Tests and Diagnosis
Treatment
If you have a loved one with antisocial personality disorder, it's important that you also get help for yourself. Mental health professionals with experience managing this condition can teach you skills to learn how to set boundaries and help protect yourself from the aggression, violence and anger common to ASPD. They can also recommend strategies for coping.
Maciek Batorski
- Years in Practice: 30+ Years
- School: University of Warsaw, Poland
- Year Graduated: 1981
Email: maciek@mbatorski.com
Website: http://www.mbatorski.com/
Location: 2399 Cawthra Rd, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Phone: (416) 271-8293