Antisocial personality disorder: causes, behaviors, and effects

Antisocial Personality Disorder

As a society our culture is very concerned with norms and social behavior. Antisocial behavior is something that certainly stands out, when exhibited. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a disease that is only diagnosed in adulthood; however the signs begin in childhood and adolescents. ASPD is characterized by the individual's disregard for other people's feelings and rights (Antisocial Personality Disorder, 2008). This is a disease that affects more people than we think, about 6% of males and 1% of females have ASPD (MHMatters, 2010). ASPD is a severe and dangerous problem and it should be researched further to find potential cure.

Behaviors

People with this disease are very different from the average person. They have a total lack of feelings towards anyone. They are reckless and don't really care about relationships. They may appear to be charming and can build relationships, however to this type of individual the relationship has no value, there is no real connection. "They appear to be incapable of any true emotions, from love to shame to guilt. No matter what emotion they state they have, it has no bearing on their future actions or attitudes" (MHMatters, 2010). These individuals are rarely able to hold a steady job because they become easily bored.

Effects of ASPD

Individuals with severe ASPD become psychopathic, which is a danger to society. Psychopathic people do not have any feelings for others, guilt for any wrong doing or any sense of remorse. Many individuals with ASPD become criminals and ends up in jail. "About 80-85% of incarcerated criminals has Antisocial Personality Disorder" (Antisocial Personality Disorder, 2008).

Severe ASPD

Some of the most well-known individuals who have ASPD are serial killers. The Washington Sniper, the Green River Killer Dr. Harold Shipman, and Bundy are some of the serial killers that have been linked to ASPD (Lerner & Lerner, 2005). These people can be described more as monsters; they were without feelings for their victims or anyone else.

Treatment for ASPD

There is no cure for this horrible disease, and there is no great treatment out there that can help these individuals. "Society has turned to mental health professionals to fix this social illness; however, ASPD is troublesome for mental health practitioners" (Kaylor, 1999). As a society we need to invest time and money to research this dangerous illness, to protect future deaths by serial killers and to protect the individuals afflicted with this illness.

Conclusion

ASPD is a serious problem. There is no cure for this disease and people with severe ASPD become psychopathic. People with ASPD cannot function normally in society. These people do not have any regard for others or the law. Many of these people end up in jail for criminal acts. Psychopathic individuals become severely violent, some become serial killers. It is important that more research is done in this field to help find a cure or better treatment for this plague on our society.

Reference

Antisocial Personality Disorder. (2008). Internet Mental Health. Retrieved November 22, 2010, from http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe04.html

Bergen et. al. (2004). Sexual abuse, antisocial behavior and substance use: gender differences in young community adolescents. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 38 (1-2) 34-41

Kaylor, L. (1999). Antisocial Personality Disorder: Diagnostic, Ethical and Treatment Issues. Issues in Mental Health Nursing. 20 (3) 247-258

Lerner, E.K.L & Lerner, B.W. (2005). Serial Killers. World of Forensic Science. 2 607-609

Van Lier et al. (2005). Gender differences in developmental links among antisocial behavior, friends' antisocial behavior, and peer rejection in childhood: results from two cultures. Child Development. 76 (4) 841-855

What is Antisocial Personality Disorder. (2010). Mental Health Matters. Retrieved November 22, 2010, from http://www.mental-health-matters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66