Antisocial Personality Disorder

SNOMED Terms

• Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct

• Antisocial personality disorder

• Intermittent explosive disorder

• Narcissistic personality disorder

Goals

• Accept responsibility for own behavior and keep behavior within the acceptable limits of the rules of society.

• Develop and demonstrate a healthy sense of respect for social norms, the rights of others, and the need for honesty.

• Improve method of relating to the world, especially authority figures; be more realistic, less defiant, and more socially sensitive.

• Come to an understanding and acceptance of the need for conforming to prevailing social limits and boundaries on behavior.

• Maintain consistent employment and demonstrate financial and emotional responsibility for children.

Behavioral Definitions

• An adolescent history of consistent rule-breaking, lying, stealing, physical aggression, disrespect for others and their property, and/or substance abuse resulting in frequent confrontation with authority.

• Failure to conform with social norms with respect to the law, as shown by repeatedly performed antisocial acts (e.g., destroying property, stealing, pursuing an illegal job) for which he/she may or may not have been arrested.

• Pattern of interacting in a confrontational, aggressive, and/or argumentative way with authority figures.

• Little or no remorse for causing pain to others.

• Consistent pattern of blaming others for what happens to him/her.

• Little regard for truth, as reflected in a pattern of consistently lying to and/or conning others.

• Frequent initiation of verbal or physical fighting.

• History of reckless behaviors that reflect a lack of regard for self or others and show a high need for excitement, fun, and living on the edge.

• Pattern of sexual promiscuity; has never been totally monogamous in any relationship for a year and does not take responsibility for children resulting from relationships.

• Pattern of impulsive behaviors, such as moving often, traveling with no goal, or quitting a job without having secured another one.

• Inability to sustain behavior that would maintain consistent employment.

• Failure to function as a consistently concerned and responsible parent.

Diagnoses

• Alcohol Dependence

• Cocaine Dependence

• Polysubstance Dependence

• Adjustment Disorder With Disturbance of Conduct

• Conduct Disorder

• Intermittent Explosive Disorder

• Antisocial Personality Disorder

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder

• Diagnosis Deferred

• No Diagnosis

Effects of Antisocial Personality Disorder

Here are some common effects associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder:

Interpersonal Relationships: Individuals with ASPD may have difficulty establishing and maintaining stable relationships due to their manipulative and deceitful behaviors.

Legal Issues: Individuals with ASPD may engage in criminal activities such as theft, vandalism, assault, or substance abuse-related offenses.

Employment and Financial Stability: Individuals with ASPD may struggle to maintain steady employment due to their difficulties with authority, impulsivity, and irresponsible behavior.

Substance Abuse and Addiction: Individuals with ASPD may engage in substance abuse as a means of seeking excitement, coping with boredom or emotional dysregulation, or as part of their impulsive and reckless behavior.

Mental Health and Co-occurring Disorders: ASPD often coexists with other mental health disorders, such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and other personality disorders.

Family Dysfunction: The disruptive and manipulative behaviors of individuals with ASPD can contribute to family dysfunction and conflict.

Risk of Harm to Others: Individuals with ASPD may pose a risk of harm to others due to their impulsive and aggressive behaviors.

Treatment for ASPD often involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication (for comorbid conditions), and support from mental health professionals and support networks. However, treatment can be challenging due to the individual's resistance to change, lack of insight into their behavior, and difficulties forming therapeutic relationships.

How does Antisocial Personality Disorder affect your life?

Here's how ASPD can affect various aspects of life:

Interpersonal Relationships: Their lack of empathy and disregard for the rights of others can result in strained relationships with family members, friends, romantic partners, and colleagues.

Legal Issues:  They may disregard laws and societal norms without concern for the consequences, resulting in arrests, legal proceedings, and incarceration.

Employment and Financial Stability: They may have a history of job loss, workplace conflicts, or difficulty adhering to rules and regulations.

Substance Abuse and Addiction: Individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of seeking excitement, coping with boredom or emotional dysregulation, or as part of their impulsive and risky behavior.

Mental Health and Well-being: Individuals with ASPD may experience chronic feelings of emptiness, boredom, or irritability.

Overall, ASPD can significantly impair an individual's functioning and quality of life. It can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including legal problems, relationship difficulties, financial instability, and mental health issues.