Signs and Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)...

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Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MDMedically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MDAntisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health disorder that is sometimes referred to as sociopathy. It is categorized as a cluster B personality disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)—the guide providers use to help diagnose and treat mental health conditions. ASPD causes traits and symptoms like an inability to consider the feelings and experiences of others or manipulating and exploiting others without showing signs of remorse.Up to 3% of adults in the United States have antisocial personality disorder, and the condition tends to be more common in people assigned male at birth. Personality Traits It may be hard to recognize a person with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) at first. People with this condition often appear witty and charming. They may offer flattering compliments to manipulate the people around them. However, you may also notice that those with this condition come off as arrogant or have a sense of grandiosity and over-self-confidence about themselves. RelationshipsPeople with antisocial personality disorder often show a lack of empathy and experience difficulty in caring about the feelings and experiences of others. They also tend to have little regard for what is right and wrong. A person with ASPD may also act insensitively, lie to others, or abuse to their loved ones. After hurting others, they also do not appear to show any signs of guilt or remorse, which can make maintaining relationships challenging. Risk-Taking Behaviors Antisocial personality disorder often causes a person to act impulsively. People with this condition do not pause to consider the potential outcomes and consequences of their actions. They may also seem irritable or angry often, increasing the risk of violent, irrational, or harmful behaviors. Some people living with this personality disorder may also not experience fear or be able to recognize it in others, which can make it easier for them to cause harm to themselves or others. Legal TroublesPeople with antisocial personality disorder are at an increased risk of experiencing challenges with the justice system. Because many people with this condition exhibit signs of reckless behavior and lack of remorse, they may be more likely to break the law, which can often lead to incarceration. People with ASPD are also at an increased risk of substance use disorder, which may cause harmful legal violations like driving under the influence. Symptoms in ChildrenPeople with antisocial personality disorder may display symptoms in childhood and during adolescence. While a diagnosis of any personality disorder cannot be made until age 18, it is possible to recognize the signs of this condition in younger children. These symptoms include:Being overly aggressiveFightingLying and cheating Having difficulty with authority Frequently getting in trouble at schoolCruelty to animalsSetting things on fireShowing a lack of remorse Having a Loved One With ASPDIt can be challenging and sometimes unsafe to have a relationship or spend time with someone with antisocial personality disorder because of their reckless behavior and lack of remorse. If you have a family member or loved one with ASPD, consider seeking support from a therapist or support group to learn how to empathize with your loved one's condition while also taking care of your well-being.When to Contact a Healthcare Provider It is crucial to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you suspect that you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of antisocial personality disorder. Your primary healthcare provider can refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, for diagnosis and treatment. You may receive a diagnosis for ASPD if you're over the age of 18 and exhibit three or more of the following symptoms:Deceitfulness or lying to othersBreaking the law repeatedlyImpulsivityAggression or irritabilityRepeated irresponsible behaviorsDisregard for the safety of oneself or othersLack of remorse for your own actionsNot everyone with ASPD is aware of their condition. If they are, they may reject treatment. If you or a loved one with the condition are open to treatment, commit to meeting with a therapist regularly, as therapy can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.People with antisocial personality disorder are often at an increased risk of self-harm. If you or a loved one develops thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please know that help is available. You can call or text 988 or visit resources like 988lifeline.org and SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for support.
Questions To Ask Your ProviderOnce you decide to seek mental health support, consider asking your provider the following questions to learn more about your condition:Why can’t I feel empathy for others? What type of personality disorder could I have?Will I need therapy or medication for my condition?Is it possible to recover from antisocial personality disorder?Can I get better on my own?
A Quick Review Antisocial personality disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes an inability to feel empathy and consider the needs of others. People with this disorder experience several symptoms, including impulsivity, lying, cheating, and risk-taking behaviors.It can be difficult to recognize this disorder in yourself. If your family or friends have voiced concerns about your behaviors, consider meeting with a therapist for support, as they can help you reach a diagnosis and offer treatment options that can significantly improve your symptoms and quality of life.Frequently Asked Questions

How can you support a loved one with antisocial personality disorder?

It can often be challenging to support a loved one with antisocial personality disorder. Consider meeting with a psychologist, therapist, or support group to learn how to set boundaries and use coping skills.It can also help to encourage your loved one to seek treatment, but ensure you are safe and protected before bringing up sensitive subject matters with them.

Are there any hidden signs of antisocial personality disorder?

While there aren't hidden signs of antisocial personality disorder, some traits of this condition (such as being charming or witty) can be deceiving.

Can people with ASPD feel empathy or love?

People with antisocial personality disorder often experience difficulty with feeling empathy for others. People who seek treatment and engage in regular therapy, however, may be able to improve social skills and practice empathy.

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