Skip to content
  • Quiz
  • Tools
  • Test
  • Research
  • Blogs
  • More
    Worksheets
    • Thank you Tree
    • Goal Setting
    • View All ->
    Health Conditions
    • Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Gambling Disorder
    • View All ->
    Downloadables
    • Anxiety Level Self-Evaluation
    • Depression Measure
    • View All ->
Menu
  • Quiz
  • Tools
  • Test
  • Research
  • Blogs
  • Worksheets
  • Health Conditions
  • Downloadables

Home » Antisocial Personality Disorder

  • Clinical Disorders

Antisocial Personality Disorder

  • - Written by admin
  • on September 20, 2021
Antisocial Personality Disorder

Table of Contents

Overview

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder are often described as having a lack of regard for othersโ€™ human rights, callous and deceitful, aggressive, and irresponsible. The behaviors symptomatic of the disorder are highly problematic, and usually lead to unpredictability in the life of the individual, including an inability to keep close social interpersonal relationships and a long-term job. The disorder also comes with morbidity and mortality risks, with a high chance of injury or death from accidents and premeditated violence, impulsivity, and suicide attempts.

Antisocial Personality Disorder is one of the most well diagnosed personality disorders, and is found to be more prevalent in men than in women. Individuals presenting with the disorder are commonly seen in prison populations, psychiatric institutions, and among those who engage in substance use or have substance use disorders.

Correlates of the disorder are largely based on the interaction of biological factors such as genotypes and neuroanatomy with environmental factors such as childhood maltreatment and abuse. More often than not, comorbid disorders are present, including ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Somatic Symptom Disorder, and Substance Use Disorder.

Resonating with the high comorbidity, it is more likely for individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder to seek medical or psychiatric help for co-occurring disorders than for symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder.

It is characteristic of individuals to reject any claims of aggression, impulsivity, or other problematic behaviors associated with the disorder. It is thus unlikely for them to seek or cooperate with psychotherapy, leading to poor treatment outcomes.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder may include:

  • Disregard for and violation of othersโ€™ human rights 
  • Engaging in lying and deceitful behavior 
  • Using charisma and wit in order to take advantage of others
  • Non-conformance to social norms 
  • Engaging in unlawful, often criminal behavior
  • Consistent lack of responsibility 
  • Impulsive and spontaneous actions with no regard for the consequences 
  • Aggressive temperament 
  • Disregard for safety of self and others 
  • Lack of remorse about causing disruption or harm 
  • Being unable to keep a steady job due to a failure to complete duties
  • Being unable to maintain healthy relationships due to dishonesty, exploitation and lack of regard for others emotions
  • Inability to tolerate boredom
  • Depressed mood

Get professional help in dealing with social distress with the best online therapy.

Book Your Session

Risk Factors

Since a minimum age of 18 is a prerequisite to diagnose Antisocial Personality Disorder, the onset is considered to be in adulthood, but Conduct Disorder and hostility in childhood and adolescence is characteristic of the disorder.

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a male preponderance in prevalence; Prison sample studies have reported a 47% occurrence of Antisocial Personality Disorder in men and a 21% occurrence in women. Adverse socioeconomic factors such as lower family income and sociocultural factors have also been associated with the disorder. 

The etiology of Antisocial Personality Disorder is widely considered to be multifactorial, focusing mainly on a genotype-environment interaction model. While the estimated levels of heritability have varied, it has been considered as a significant correlate, but twin studies have also shown a substantial influence of environmental factors.

Genotype studies have pointed out the role of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), an x-linked gene that is associated with regulation of neurotransmitters that control response to stress. MAOA imbalances combined with the presence of environmental stressors have been considered as the most significant correlates of Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Further biological studies have also involved neuroanatomy, with speculation of reduced volume and functioning of the prefrontal cortex in those with Antisocial Personality Disorder. However, there is a possibility that this reduced volume is resultant of comorbid disorders.

The genotype-environment relation has a complex interconnectedness. While heritability is considerably important, having relatives with Antisocial Personality Disorder is also conducive to a negative family environment, which in turn increases risk of environmental stressors.

Parents or caregivers with Antisocial Personality Disorder are more likely to subject children to child maltreatment and environments that are harsh, including sexually and physically abusive situations. Lower standards of caregiving at early age, including factors such as maternal withdrawal (failing to greet the infant, using toys instead of self to soothe the infant) were also found to be predictive of Antisocial Personality Disorder.

A comorbidity of disorders during childhood are often present, most likely Conduct Disorder. Development of ADHD before the age of 10 has also been linked with an onset of Antisocial Personality Disorder in adulthood. Individuals with the disorder are also more likely to have an externalizing disorder such as substance use disorder.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of AntisThe diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder is dependent largely on clinical assessment and diagnostic criteria, which require persistent signs of neglect for others, including compromising their human rights, brought forth by at least three of the following: 

  • Failure to conform to social norms, including engaging in criminal behavior 
  • Repeated lying, use of fake identities, and conning others for personal gain/pleasure
  • Spontaneous activity and failing to plan in advance 
  • Irritability and aggressiveness seen through engagement in physical violence
  • Recklessness in terms of safety of self and others
  • Remorselessness, indicated by indifference upon causing pain to, mistreating, or stealing from other people 

A minimum age of 18 is a prerequisite for diagnosis, and there must be evidence of conduct disorder before the age of 15. Underlying causes such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, which may also be causative of antisocial behavior, should be ruled out. It is unlikely for the individual to give accurate reports of symptoms, and thus there is an importance, with consent, to convene with peers and family members of the concerned individual.

Treatment 

Treatment outcomes of Antisocial Personality Disorder are largely unsatisfactory, due in part to the reluctance of the individual to accept the diagnosis and cooperate with treatment. Additionally, sporadic lifestyle, comorbidities, and substance use are more likely than symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder to lead individuals into healthcare settings. 

The tendencies of individuals with the disorder to engage in manipulation, deceit, and aggression make them disagreeable patients, and thus many therapists and psychiatrists may refuse to work with them. In most cases, it is the individuals themselves who are found to be absconding from therapeutic settings.

Trials conducted on the efficacy of antiepileptics, antidepressants, and dopamine antagonists in controlling symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder have proven inconclusive, and thus there remains no effective pharmacological treatment route for the disorder.

Treatment for Antisocial Personality Disorder caused by substance use can include treating the substance use disorder, which results in improvement in antisocial symptoms. Individuals taking part in psychoeducational programs showed a higher likelihood of continuing therapy.

The mainstay for psychotherapeutic treatment of Antisocial Personality Disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, though it is more effective on present comorbid disorders (such as major depression or panic disorder).

Differential Diagnosis 

1. Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder: Incidences of antisocial behaviour during ongoing schizophrenia or bipolar do not amount to a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder.

2. Substance use disorder: When antisocial behavior in an adult is linked to  substance use disorder, the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder is not made unless the signs of antisocial personality disorder were also present in childhood and have continued into adulthood. If there is history of antisocial behavior and substance use since childhood, the individual will be diagnosed with both. Antisocial behaviour may be  a result of substance intoxication.

3. Other personality disorders: Other personality disorders may be confused with antisocial personality disorder because they have certain features in common. But each of the other personality disorders function for selfish reasons. Whereas, antisocial personality disorder function for the purpose of revenge or distress to others.

In Conclusion

Antisocial Personality Disorder, even though not entirely curable, can always be prevented from developing into criminal behavior. It has been observed that Antisocial Personality Disorder stems from childhood trauma. Neglect, violent and chaotic behavior in the family could be some of the primary reasons for the development of Antisocial Personality Disorder. 

The symptoms can be spotted at an early age of 15 or 16 years. Thus, it is advised to consult a professional at an early stage of the disorder.

Consult our professionals for the right treatment and book your session today. 

Ready To Get Better? First Session at โ‚น99 Now.

Get the Diagnosis

Public Fear Detector
Unwilling to step out into public? This quiz will help you rate your phobia of crowds and open spaces.
Take Quiz

Related Read

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Delirium

Delirium

Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder

Reactive Attachment Disorder

illness anxiety disorder

Illness Anxiety Disorder

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

I donโ€™t get along with people, and it greatly annoys me when Iโ€™m around them. Is this Antisocial Personality Disorder?

The symptomatology of Antisocial Personality Disorder places emphasis on a disregard for othersโ€™ human rights. In addition to this, a plethora of criminal behaviors as well as underlying personality traits such as manipulativeness, callousness, deceitfulness and impulsivity are often characteristic of those with the disorder. With this in mind, not getting along with people does not suffice as a cause for diagnosis. However, it is always a good idea to approach a counsellor or psychiatrist to get a clear picture, and to understand why it may be difficult to make and maintain social relations.

My family says Iโ€™m aggressive, but I donโ€™t think I am. Could this be Antisocial Personality Disorder?

A complex interaction of social and genetic factors lead to aggressive behavior, which is commonly observed among individuals. Along with having many causes, aggression is also observed among individuals with other underlying disorders, including mood disorders, Autism spectrum, dissociative disorders, and others. Thus, aggression on its own does not warrant a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder. It is possible for there to be diminished self-awareness while carrying out aggressive behaviors, which may lead to a lack of consciousness towards the behavior. Approaching a counsellor may help you introspect and understand how to positively deal with aggression.

I feel very strongly about my political opinions, and often get into fights online, on peopleโ€™s posts. Could this be Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Being politically opinionated is not considered characteristic of Antisocial Personality Disorder, and arguing about the same does not warrant a diagnosis of the disorder. Those with Antisocial Personality Disorder may get into fights often, but they also exhibit behavior that violates the human rights of others, without any remorse for those actions. It is not necessary that these behaviors are caused by underlying motives, such as a desire to protect oneโ€™s political opinions.

References

  1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5ยฎ). American Psychiatric Pub.
  2. Butcher, J. N., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J. M. (2017). Abnormal psychology. Pearson Education India.
  3. Meloy, J. R., & Yakeley, A. J. (2011). Antisocial Personality Disorder. A. A, 301(2).
  4. Burt, S. A., McGue, M., Carter, L. A., & Iacono, W. G. (2007). The different origins of stability and change in Antisocial Personality Disorder symptoms. Psychological Medicine, 37(1), 27-38.
  5. McGonigal, P., Kerr, S., Morgan, T., Dalrymple, K., Chelminski, I., & Zimmerman, M. (2019). Should childhood conduct disorder be necessary to diagnose Antisocial Personality Disorder in adults?. Annals of clinical psychiatry : official journal of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists, 31(1), 36โ€“44.
  6. DeLisi, M., Drury, A. J., & Elbert, M. J. (2019). The etiology of Antisocial Personality Disorder: The differential roles of adverse childhood experiences and childhood psychopathology. Comprehensive psychiatry, 92, 1โ€“6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.04.001
  7. Ducci, F., Enoch, M. A., Hodgkinson, C., Xu, K., Catena, M., Robin, R. W., & Goldman, D. (2008). Interaction between a functional MAOA locus and childhood sexual abuse predicts alcoholism and Antisocial Personality Disorder in adult women. Molecular psychiatry, 13(3), 334โ€“347. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4002034
  8. Beach, S. R., Brody, G. H., Gunter, T. D., Packer, H., Wernett, P., & Philibert, R. A. (2010). Child maltreatment moderates the association of MAOA with symptoms of depression and Antisocial Personality Disorder. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(1), 12.
  9. Black, D. W. (2017). The treatment of Antisocial Personality Disorder. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 4(4), 295-302.
  10. Glenn, A. L., Johnson, A. K., & Raine, A. (2013). Antisocial Personality Disorder: a current review. Current psychiatry reports, 15(12), 427.
  11. Khalifa, N. R., Gibbon, S., Vรถllm, B. A., Cheung, N. H., & McCarthy, L. (2020). Pharmacological interventions for Antisocial Personality Disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9).
Useful Links
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Community
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Community
Resources
  • Blog
  • Quiz
  • Health Conditions
  • Stories
  • Tools
  • Downloadables
  • Challenges
  • Research
  • Newsroom
  • Worksheets
  • Blog
  • Quiz
  • Health Conditions
  • Stories
  • Tools
  • Downloadables
  • Challenges
  • Research
  • Newsroom
  • Worksheets
About Us

Arising from a need to spread awareness about mental health and tackle it with information and the right guidance, Ananda.ai is a passion project that aims to build a more aware and open minded society and to help those in need with assessment tests, blogs, reliable diagnosis, expert advice… More About Us

  • support@ananda.ai
If you are a farmer and in a life threatening situation – Call : +91 91757 57277 | Know More
Accessible mental health for everyone. Anytime, anywhere, with the best online mental health platform in india
  • ยฉ2023 Aarogyaananda Pvt. Ltd.
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Refund Policy
  • ยฉ2023 Aarogyaananda Pvt. Ltd.
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Refund Policy
Youtube Instagram Facebook Twitter Linkedin