ANTI SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

• Based on meeting certain criteria that is described in the DSM-IV
• No physical test, (blood tests or imaging) can be used to diagnose the disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder is never diagnosed until the patient is 18

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

• Genetics of antisocial personality disorder, other personality disorders, and mental illness.
• Being subjected to abuse or neglect during childhood.

TREATMENTS?

• There is no way to fully cure ASPD, but there are ways to help symptoms
• Family therapy - helps families resolve conflict and communicate more effectively
• Behavior therapy - focused on modifying harmful behaviors based on stress
• Medications themselves can’t cure ASPD but different medications can be prescribed for different symptoms, such an anxiety and depression.

HOW DO PEOPLE LIVE THEIR LIVES WITH ASPD?

• People with antisocial personality disorder are at higher risk for a wide range of physical and mental health problems as well as poor life outcomes.

HOW DO PEOPLE LIVE THEIR LIVES WITH ASPD?

• Research has shown an increased risk for several mental health conditions in people with antisocial personality disorder. These conditions include...

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• Depression
• Anxiety
• bipolar disorder
• PTSD
• ADHD
• BPD

NATURE VS NURTURE

• Nature: Having a history of family genetics
• Nurture: Growing up in an abusive household

SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

In movies and TV shows, psychopaths and sociopaths are usually the villains who kill or torture innocent people. In real life, some people with antisocial personality disorder can be violent, but most are not. Instead, they use manipulation and reckless behavior to get what they want.

You may have heard people call someone else a “psychopath” or a “sociopath.” But what do those words really mean?
You won’t find the definitions in mental health’s official handbook, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Doctors don’t officially diagnose people as psychopaths or sociopaths. They use a different term instead: antisocial personality disorder.