A Guide to Mental Illness - Antisocial Personality Disorder

DESCRIPTION

APD (or 'psychopathy') is characterized by unlawfulness, aggressiveness, impulsivity, deceitfulness, lying, lack of guilt or remorse, disregard for others and persistently disruptive behaviours.^[1]

CAUSES

The cause of this disorder is unknown, though it is thought there may be a genetic factor, as some studies have seen higher numbers of cases of APD in people whose biological parents had APD.^[2] This, however, could be a confusion with the fact that this person may see the parent as a role model and take on the same antisocial tendencies. Those whose role models are not their biological parents and have APD often have APD as well.^[2] Around 3% of men and 1% of women have this disorder.^[1]^[2]^[3] This disorder often becomes noticeable in early adolescence.^[4]

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms include disregard for morals, manipulation and deceit, intimidation, aggressiveness, difficulty in keeping a job, persistent difficulties with law, violation of other people's rights, violent behaviour and frequent fighting, disregard for safety and health of themselves and the people around them, agitation, depression, lack of guilt after hurting others, superficial charm and wit, impulsiveness and aggressiveness.^[2]^[4] Antisocial people can be unreliable people to live or work with, and may often be difficult partners.

PREVALENCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY

Around a thirtieth of all males have this disorder and 1 in 100 females.^[1]^[2]^[3] Those who were neglected or abused in early childhood often develop this disorder in early adolescence^[2]^[4], though it can recede slightly later in life^[4]. Whether this an aspect of the disorder or simply a realisation of the consequences of their behaviour by the sufferer is unkown.

TREATMENT

Most antisocial cases do not initiate treatment themselves and may be forced to seek treatment in court. Treatment is generally not effective for this disorder.^[2]

SOURCES