Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

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Anti Social Personality Disorder is also known as ASPD. “About 2.5 to 3.5 percent of people have ASPD. This condition is much more common in men than in women.” (Lees McRae College) Everyone has their own personality and not one person is exactly the same. “People with anti social personality disorder are also called sociopaths.” (Leedom) Different causes are particular to look for when diagnosing this disorder. Though rare, it is important to understand the disorder as well as its symptoms, treatment and strategies. “Lifetime prevalence for ASPD is reported to range from 2% to 4% in men and from 0.5% to 1% in women. Rates of natural and unnatural death (suicide, homicide, and accidents) are excessive.” (Black, 2015)
First, Anti Social Personality Disorder is a mental condition that can cause a person to think and behave in a destructive manner. “Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is characterized by a pattern of socially irresponsible, exploitative, and guiltless behavior. ASPD is associated with co-occurring mental health and addictive disorders and medical comorbidity.” (Black, 2015) People with ASPD have a habit of antagonizing and manipulating others but also have no awareness for what is right and what is wrong. One tends to disregard the feelings and wishes of others. “ASPD typically begins during childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood.” (Kivi, 2012) ASPD usually is noticed around 8 years old, but it is categorized as a conduct disorder. Though children can be treated in what doctors may think is ASPD, children will not be completely diagnosed with the title of ASPD until at least 18 years of age. In time those with ASPD behavior usually end up turning criminal.
Second, personality is unique to e...

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... is important to be under close supervision and even recommended to stay in a mental health center until symptoms are controlled.
In conclusion, Anti Social Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a rare personality disorder that is tough to handle. With no true answer of what the cause is one tends to wonder how someone can develop this condition. Signs and symptoms can develop young but cannot be actually diagnosed as ASPD until 18 years of age. Aggression, compulsive lying, devious and manipulating behavior are just a few signs of what to look for. With no direct medications to treat the disorder and therapies that are not guaranteed to work it is hard to have a grasp on how to help those who are diagnosed. Hopefully, within time Anti Social Personality Disorder can be further studied and more evidence can be brought to light to help those with this life altering disorder.

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