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Antisocial Personality Disorder

All humans have traits that help describe our personality and predict behavior. Traits are consistent patterns of behavior that remain largely the same in changing situations. These are “well-ingrained ways in which individuals experience, interact with, and think about everything that goes on around them” (James Morrison, DSM-IV Made Easy). Personality disorders are manifested when a collection of traits has become rigid, works to the disadvantage of the individual, causes distress, or otherwise impairs functioning. There are 10 Personality disorders identified in the DSM-IV within 3 different cluster: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive. The generic criteria for personality disorders consists of a lasting pattern or behavior and inner experience that deviates significantly from the norm of the culture. The pattern is most often manifested in affect/emotional experiences (Inappropriateness, intensity, lability and largely inappropriate range of emotions), cognition, impulse control and interpersonal functioning.

Antisocial personality disorder is described in Cluster B of the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, 4^th edition). Along with the other personality disorders in this cluster, Antisocial personality is often characterized as dramatic, attention-seeking, and emotional; their moods being labile and often shallow. The irresponsible, often criminal behavior of these people begins in childhood or early adolescence with truancy, running away, cruelty, fighting, destructiveness, lying, and theft. In addition to criminal behavior, as adults they may default on debts, or otherwise show irresponsibility, act recklessly or impulsively; and show no remorse for their behavior (DSM-IV, p.474). People with Antisocial Personality, also called sociopaths or psychopaths, manifest a “pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15” (DSM-IV). There is a failure to conform to social norms (with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest). Their deceitfulness is indicated by repeatedly lying, using aliases or cunning others for personal profit or pleasure. Very often, these people have issues with impulse control/impulsivity (remember the Marshmallow study?) and planning ahead. Irritability and aggressiveness are other characteristic traits, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults. There is reckless disregard for safety of self and/or others. Consistent irresponsibility is observed as well as lack of remorse, being indifferent to being hurtful, or rationalizing their destructive behavior and mistreatment (Liane Leedom, “Just like his father”).

Research indicates there is a strong hereditary/genetic component to antisocial personality disorder. Therefore, children whose parent is a sociopath are considered “at risk” and a lot of efforts and extra care and attention are required.

Personality Disorders are probably the hardest to treat, since there is a problem within one’s own personality and core traits. No medication can alleviate the symptoms, only cure other issues that might spring from the personality disorder. Often the individual has to be willing to work with a therapist over a very long period of time, where change and improvement take place slowly. As one might imagine, an individual with Antisocial personality is, more often than not, unwilling to get in treatment or ‘seek help’ since they are incapable of finding the fault in their own ways.