Antisocial Personality Disorder: Everything You Need To Know

The antisocial personality disorder is a mental condition in which a person consistently shows disinterest in distinguishing between right and wrong. People suffering from such a disorder are unable to exhibit emotions or feelings towards others. These people feel uncomfortable in communicating or seeking help. This makes it difficult for them to have close friends. This disorder has enormous negative impacts not only on the person who is suffering from it but also on the family and friends who have to deal with the patient and his or her disorder. People suffering from the antisocial disorder are sometimes referred to as 'sociopaths', but most of the psychologists or the therapists avoid using such terms during the diagnosis of the disorder. The antisocial disorder is an infirmity which may result in many other mental health conditions.

Also read: If You Have These Personality Traits, You Are Most Likely To Suffer From Anxiety

These mental infirmities include:

• Bipolar disorder
•  Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Schizotypal personality disorder

Most of these disorders can be treated and prevented with the help of medications or therapies. People with this kind of disorder are more likely to be dependent on alcohol, smoke, and other illegal drugs easily. They are found to be at a higher risk of liver diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and arthritis.

People with antisocial disorder are more likely to be dependent on alcohol
 

Consequences of the antisocial disorder are:

 1. People with the antisocial personality disorder may cause harm to their family or friends intentionally or unintentionally. The caregivers of these people might have to undergo a lot of stress because of a great deal of responsibility lying on their shoulders. These caregivers sometimes show symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. This disorder is challenging for both the parties- the one suffering from it and the one who takes care of the person with this disorder.

2. The other more serious consequence of the antisocial disorder is a violent and non-conforming behavior on the part of the person suffering from it.

3. The professional life of the people with the antisocial personality disorder keeps fluctuating because of their behavioral changes.

4. As an outcome of this disease, people find it difficult to stick on to one thing and even find it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship.

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Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder

There are no specific symptoms of this condition, but the most common symptoms shown by the people with this disorder: 

• Difficulty in differentiating between right or wrong
• Behaves cynical or showing disrespect to others
• Lack of empathy for others
• Indecisiveness
• Poor or brutal relationships
• Arrogance and irritability
• Persistent lying
• Aggressiveness
• Ignorance
• The absence of remorse

People with antisocial personality disorder are more likely to be aggressive all the time
Photo Credit: iStock

The antisocial personality disorder is seen more often in males than females. Also, we can say that the risk of antisocial personality disorder is indirectly proportional to age. The risk of antisocial personality disorder decreases with age. For instance, people in their 20s are at higher risk for this disorder than the people in their 50s. It is not seen in children and teenagers.

Also read: Top 10 Anxiety Triggers You Must Know

Treatments options for antisocial personality disorder

People with the antisocial personality disorder might not be open to taking the doctor's advice as they mostly do not believe in taking help. Though the antisocial personality disorder is challenging to treat, it can indeed be treated. It completely depends on the person, his or her willingness to participate, the willpower and the severity of symptoms experienced. 

Taking therapies can help you with antisocial personality disorder
 

 1. Psychotherapy

Therapies like anger and violence management, talk therapy, scream therapy, treatments for drug abuse and many other therapies are suggested by doctors to the patients according to their present situation. 

 2. Medications

Doctors can prescribe some medications according to the patient's needs and condition.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.