Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a mental illness in which a person fails to comply with socially accepted behavior and violates the rights of other people. Some experts believe the disorder is caused by genetic factors, but scientists have yet to pinpoint a definite cause. Most antisocial personalities display many of the following symptoms and behaviors by the time they settle into their teen years, and these symptoms and behaviors continue into adulthood.
People with APD exhibit antisocial behavior that makes it difficult for them to function in human relationships. Individuals with the disorder often manipulate and exploit others. Antisocial personalities display the following symptoms:
During childhood, those with APD have conduct problems. They may get into fights at school and not play well with other children as a result of their own violent, aggressive behavior. They may be labeled as bullies, troublemakers and delinquents. They are often disciplined by parents and teachers, and their behavior shows a pattern of disregard for authority figures and the law.
Because those with APD are known to lie, steal, show no empathy for others and no remorse for their delinquent behavior, they often have trouble functioning in society. As adults, they may lose jobs because of delinquent behavior, fighting, or insubordinate behavior. This behavior may also alienate them from family and loved ones. Their lack of empathy may cause others to label them as "crazy" or a "psychopath."
Those with antisocial personality disorder often behave in ways that are self damaging. They may abuse substances such as drugs or alcohol, which damages them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Those with the disorder often act on impulse and have a carefree attitude toward their safety as well as the safety of others.
People with APD are characterized as having an inability to control their temper, particularly when they are annoyed or impatient. They often make threats and become verbally abusive toward others. Sometimes they take out their frustrations by being cruel to animals.
There is no cure for the disorder. Sufferers of APD don't often seek treatment on their own. In most cases, those who do receive treatment only do so when ordered by a court mandate. Psychotherapy is the most popular treatment option, though there are several barriers that prevent successful psychotherapy treatment. For starters, the patient may participate half-heartedly because they are not motivated to be there. They sometimes participate only as an alternative to incarceration.
Psychotherapy as a treatment for APD involves the patient talking about their emotions. The patient may be hesitant to trust the therapist, which may also hinder their progress. Establishing trust in the relationship between client and patient is the key to successful psychotherapy. Group therapy and family therapy are also used to treat APD. Group therapy allows patients the opportunity to find support from others who suffer from APD, and family therapy allows patients to discuss family issues.
