Committing actions that demonstrate the constant transgression of social norms or rules is one of the typical characteristics of antisocial personality disorder. This is why understanding and treating this condition is important, both for the well-being of the individuals affected and for that of those around them.
What is antisocial personality disorder?
It is a disorder that involves a pervasive pattern of contempt and violation of the rights of others, which begins in childhood or early adolescence and persists into adulthood. It is classified in the cluster B of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), along with histrionic, borderline and narcissistic, characterized by dramatic, emotional or extravagant behavior.
Symptoms and possible causes
The DSM-5 outlines i main diagnostic criteria of antisocial personality disorder. Usually the disorder manifests itself, starting from the age of 15, with three or more of the following symptoms:
Not respecting social norms: the person, for example, repeatedly carries out acts that constitute grounds for arrest.
Deceit: Repeated lying, using aliases, or defrauding for personal gain or pleasure.
Impulsiveness or inability to plan ahead.
Irritability and aggression: repeated physical fights or assaults.
Reckless disregard for the safety of oneself or others.
Irresponsibility: Inability to maintain stable employment or meet financial obligations.
Lack of remorse: remaining indifferent or superficially rationalizing the fact of having hurt or mistreated someone.
To receive a diagnosis, the individual must have at least 18 years old and show symptoms of conduct disorders with onset before the age of 15. Also, antisocial behaviors they do not have to occur exclusively during the course of bipolar disorder or of schizophrenia. The cause at the origin of the disorder may include a combination of biological and environmental factors.
Differences with other personality disorders
Let’s see some characteristics by which other disorders differ from the antisocial personality disorder:
Narcissistic personality disorder: not characterized by impulsiveness, aggression and deception. On the other hand, individuals with antisocial personality disorder may not be as needy of the admiration of others.
Histrionic personality disorder: Those who suffer from it tend to be more exaggerated in their emotions and usually do not engage in antisocial actions.
Borderline personality disorder: People with antisocial personality disorder tend to be less emotionally unstable and more aggressive than those with this disorder.
Paranoid personality disorder: Although antisocial behavior may be present, in this case it is not motivated by the desire for personal gain or to exploit others. More often, however, it can be traced back to a desire for revenge.
It is also important to distinguish mental disorders from criminal behavior not associated with inflexible, maladaptive, and persistent personality traits.
Treatment of antisocial personality disorder
Il treatment of this disorder is complex and can vary depending on the case and individual needs. Therapeutic approaches may include psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps identify and modify destructive behaviors. Also there management of comorbidities which can manifest themselves, such as substance addiction, is critical. In some cases, medications may be prescribed drugs to treat specific symptoms.