Antisocial Personality Disorder Antisocial Disorder

Antisocial Personality Disorder Antisocial Disorder Antisocial disorder has received attention from psychologists and lay-persons alike. This disorder has been associated with criminal acts such as the recent rash of school shootings. As the clinical body of evidence mounts, it has become apparent that society needs to pay more attention to antisocial behavior than they did in the past due to the propensity of persons with the disorder to commit violent acts.

It is no longer surprising to discover that a person who irrationally endangered the lives of other and of themselves demonstrate the signs and symptoms of antisocial behavior. The key to preventing violent acts, such as school shootings, is to diagnose and treat those with antisocial behavior before they do something drastic. Diagnosing Personality Disorders Everyone has a unique personality. Our personality is the result of genetic traits that we inherit from our parents, as well as the experiences that we have had in our lives.

We are all subject to ups and downs at times, but for the most part, our basic personality remains the same. In order to be considered a personality disorder the pattern of behavior outside of the norm must be an enduring pattern that is inflexible and that does not change across differing situations (APA, 1994). The pattern must be traced back to adolescence and early adulthood. The pattern cannot be the result of substance abuse or head trauma (APA, 1994).

In order to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, the person in question must be over the age of 18. Antisocial personality disorder is an axis II, Cluster B disorder, Antisocial personality disorder used to be called "sociopathic," but this term has recently been dropped (APA, 1994).

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by chronic irresponsibility and unreliability, a lack of regard for the law, a lack of respect for the rights of others, persistent lying and stealing, aggression, violent behavior, a lack of remorse for hurting others, and a lack of concern for the safety of self and of others (APA, 1994). Those that will be diagnosed often demonstrate symptoms before the age of 15.

The students that committed the Columbine High School shootings, the Virginia Tech shootings, and numerous other shootings around the country displayed a number of these symptoms, yet they could not be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder unless they were over the age of 18. This is one of the more recent controversies regarding the disorder. Factors Influencing Development of the Disorder The causes of antisocial behavior are hereditary, combined with environmental circumstances that promote development of the disorder. Antisocial personality disorder is chronic and difficult to treat.

The typical course of treatment involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of these two options (Mayo Foundation, 2006). A lack of consistency in punishment may lead the child to believe that punishment is random and it may become unclear which behaviors are acceptable or unacceptable. A childhood of abuse and neglect are a key contributing factor in many cases. Everyone involved in a child's life may be a factor in preventing or promoting the development of antisocial behavior (Mayo Foundation, 2006).

Consistency in punishment and reward, as well as building the child's self-esteem are all important factors in the development of the disorder. Complications to Treatment Persons with antisocial personality disorder are at risk of complications that could limit the effectiveness of treatment. Persons with severe forms of antisocial behavior are at increased risk for drug or alcohol abuse, suicide, homicide or committing serious crimes that may result in imprisonment (Mayo Foundation, 2006). There is also an increased chance for comorbidity with other conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

A person may also have other personality disorders in addition to antisocial disorder, such as borderline and narcissistic disorders. The presence of other disorders may complicate the diagnosis and treatment of the antisocial disorder (Mayo Foundation, 2006). In some cases, it may be difficult to distinguish which is the primary and which are secondary disorders. Treatment Interventions Antisocial personality disorders are considered to be one of the most difficult of the personality disorders to treat. These patients rarely seek treatment on their own and often only do so under court order.

They are characterized by a refusal to follow treatment programs and to take prescribed medications (Mayo Foundation,.