Antisocial personality disorder
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a chronic mental illness characterized by an individual’s complete disregard and violation of the rights of others. The individual’s ideas, perceptions of ethics or laws, and relationships with others are completely dysfunctional. Their conduct is often linked with criminal and immoral behavior, making it even more difficult to treat these individuals effectively. APD is defined by a psychological pattern that begins during childhood years and lasts through adulthood. The individual must have a history of conduct disorder prior to the age of 15 and have a persistent occurrence of symptoms in order to be classified as having APD. Symptoms include:
• Inability to conform to conventional norms with respect to the law
• Persistent trouble with the law, such as a history of arrests or violations
• Disregard for or resentment of figures of authority
• Pathological lying and deceitfulness
• Use of superficial charm or wit to influence others
• Manipulation of others for personal gain or sadistic pleasure
• Lack of remorse or guilt for harming others or violating laws; rationalizes mistreatment, betrayal, manipulation, and danger to others
• Callous lack of empathy
• Recklessness in regards to the safety of others around them, or even themselves
• Child neglect or abuse
• Abusive relationships
• Intimidation of others
• Feels that the world “owes” them; sense of entitlement
• Inability to plan for the future; failure to commit to long-term goals
• Persistent impulsivity
• Aggressive behavior such as assaults and physical disputes; belligerent reactions
• Irritability, hostility
• Consistent irresponsibility, as evident in their failure to sustain consistent work, complete education, maintain relationships, perform conscientious parenting, or honor financial obligations
People who are diagnosed with APD may also be called sociopaths or psychopaths. APD is also commonly called sociopathic personality disorder or psychopathy, although APD is now being considered as a separate diagnosis due to recent research. Diagnosis can sometimes be difficult due to the illness’ association with criminal activity. Analysts must determine when to differentiate between these individuals and the many individuals who are arrested or currently imprisoned for criminal behavior, and where to draw the line (more than 80% of incarcerated criminals are considered to have antisocial personality disorder). Also, analysts must know when not to rule out other individuals who are highly regarded in their communities but still demonstrate APD characteristics, yet escape criminal justice or are dismissed for their irresponsible behavior. APD does not necessitate that the individual also be an identified criminal. Common examples of antisocial personalities include people of great power such as politicians, leaders, and corporate heads.
The current issue of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) identifies the disorder through an evaluation of the characteristics listed above, primarily by the individual’s level of deceitfulness and manipulation. The DSM also states that the disorder must be prevalent in adult years (evidenced in childhood but spanning past the age of 18) to qualify as APD. It commonly begins during adolescence, peaking during the individual’s twenties, and is thought to lessen by middle age.
The disorder is believed to be genetic; children whose parents have APD have a greater chance of developing the disorder themselves. The level of parental nurturing received by the individual can contribute to the disorder, as well as related environmental family situations such as childhood physical abuse, chaotic household, or death or divorce of parents. It occurs more often in men than women by a 3 to 1 ratio, but affects a rather small percentage of the population.
APD almost always co-occurs with other disorders such as substance abuse disorders, somatization disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, impulse-control disorders, and other personality disorders. People with APD may be apprehensive or resistant to seeking professional help, but if the disorder is left untreated, the symptoms may worsen and the individual risks causing serious damage to others and themselves. Individuals with the disorder have a greater susceptibility to homelessness or incarceration, as well as violent deaths such as suicide, accidental death, or homicide.
There is no specific treatment for APD. Treatment is often a long, challenging, and tedious process that involves the combined efforts of a psychologist, psychiatrist, family members, pharmacists, medical professionals, and social workers. Treatment may involve prescribed medication, psychotherapy, anger and stress management, and hospitalization. APD is still being extensively researched to develop more efficient diagnostic procedures, treatment methods, and singularity from other extreme personality disorders such as psychopathy, schizophrenia, and manic episode.
