Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a complex mental health condition that is often characterized by a disregard toward others. This condition is often diagnosed when individuals are in their teens or young adult years. It is sometimes associated with manipulative or even aggressive behaviors. A person with this condition may come off as cold, distant, or rude toward those around them.
Some people with ASPD may have trouble experiencing empathy toward others or feeling remorse after hurting someone’s feelings. In many cases, they are not intentionally being cruel or hurtful. However, it may come off that way toward those they interact with. In reality, there could be many different factors that cause these individuals to interact with others in a way that is not typical.
There are certain risk factors that could play a role in one’s likelihood of developing ASPD. It is important to understand these potential risk factors and be able to recognize them if they are exhibited by young people. In addition, it is critical to spread awareness about what this disorder actually is. This can help bring an end to damaging misconceptions about people with ASPD.
Having a loved one struggling with an undiagnosed mental health disorder can be intimidating. Our team at Wisconsin Wellness can help to provide guidance and support.
ASPD Symptoms: What Teens, Young Adults, and Parents Need to Know
Some people may first begin exhibiting symptoms of ASPD during childhood. However, this disorder is typically not diagnosed until later in life. During childhood years, this disorder may present itself in the form of a conduct disorder (CD). Some common early symptoms may include:
- Not wanting to listen to authority figures
- Having trouble getting along with peers
- Bullying other children
- Engaging in petty theft
- Being aggressive, violent, or hostile towards others
- Trying to manipulate others through wit or charm
- Showing no remorse or regret for the way their behavior may affect others
There is one very important thing that all teens, young adults, and parents should know when it comes to ASPD. It is that just because an individual has this disorder does not mean they are a bad person. There are simply differences in how they socialize and interact with other people. In addition, there may be differences in how they perceive the world around them.
Indeed, some people who experience this disorder and are not given proper treatment do turn to criminal behavior. However, that is not the case for everyone. It is important not to assume that everyone who is diagnosed with ASPD will follow this path. This is especially unlikely if they are given the proper psychological counseling and therapy they need.
Some methods can be effective in treating those experiencing ASPD. With the proper treatment, these individuals can experience relief from their symptoms and live a more normal life. At Wisconsin Wellness, we recognize that having a teen with ASPD can be overwhelming. However, we can help guide you as you seek to better understand this condition.
Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
ASPD is not something to fear. However, it is important to spread awareness and increase education about it. The earlier that it can be diagnosed, the earlier that the individual can begin to be treated. Thus, it is important to recognize the key symptoms and signs.
Key Symptoms of ASPD in Teens and Young Adults
ASPD can sometimes be misinterpreted as a bad case of misbehavior or disobedience during a child’s youth. However, as they begin to enter their teen and young adult years, it can become more concerning. Some young people with ASPD may be determined to break the law with seemingly no fear of consequences. For example, they may take part in vandalism, more serious forms of theft, or reckless driving.
They may also seem to have a total disregard for rules and dislike following the commands of authority figures. This could be anyone considered superior to them in their lives such as their parents, teachers, or even law enforcement. In some cases, this is because those with ASPD often have a skewed perception of themselves. For example, they may feel superior, smarter, or more powerful than other people.
Another common symptom of untreated ASPD is impulsive behavior. The individual may do reckless or unsafe things with seemingly no concern about the danger involved. This can cause a lot of stress for their family members and other people close to them.
How Does ASPD Differ From Other Personality Disorders?
One of the common aspects of ASPD that sets it apart from other personality disorders is a lack of empathy. Consider other types of personality disorders like borderline personality disorder (BPD) or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). These individuals may do or say things that often offend others. However, unlike those with ASPD, they typically do feel some form of remorse.
Another key aspect of ASPD is law-breaking or more aggressive types of behaviors. This could involve going against societal or legal boundaries. It is common for those with other personality types to engage in self-destructive behaviors. However, they don’t tend to target other people with these behaviors.
Manipulation of others can also be a core trait of those with untreated ASPD. People with NPD may engage in manipulation, but typically it is out of a need to be admired or praised by others. When it comes to those with ASPD, this behavior can be more tied to using others to get what they want. They may do this with seemingly no awareness or concern about the other person’s well-being.
Finally, another key aspect that can set ASPD apart from other personality disorders is emotional detachment. People with other personality disorders still typically experience a wide range of emotions, though sometimes in overly intense ways. However, those with ASPD may seem emotionally unresponsive. This can seem strange or off-putting, especially in situations where others are feeling very strong emotions.
Common Misconceptions and Stereotypes Surrounding ASPD
ASPD is not very well understood by a large portion of the population. As a result, there can be some negative stigma surrounding it. Negative stigma is typically a judgmental and untrue belief about someone based on a characteristic that is out of their control. For those with ASPD, this characteristic would be their mental health disorder.
The negative stigma surrounding those with addiction or mental health disorders can be very damaging. It often involves misinformation and can lead to those with certain disorders being treated poorly. In some cases, it can even cause them to avoid seeking treatment out of fear of judgment. The best way to get rid of negative stigma is to increase education and awareness about mental health.
The untrue belief that those with ASPD always engage in criminal behavior is one of the most common misconceptions about this disorder. While some people with this disorder may engage in illegal activity, it is certainly not true for everyone. It is also important to note that not everyone with ASPD will resort to violent or aggressive behavior. While this can be a symptom for some people, it should never be assumed that all those with ASPD will behave this way.
Another damaging misconception about ASPD is that those with this disorder are also psychopathic. ASPD and psychopathic personality disorder are two different diagnoses. Psychopathy is considered a more severe form of ASPD. Many people who are diagnosed with ASPD don’t meet the criteria necessary to also be diagnosed with psychopathy.
Finally, another serious misconception about ASPD is that those with this disorder can’t change or that their symptoms cannot improve. This is extremely false. With the proper support and treatment by a health professional, those with ASPD can change their behavior. The extent to which they can change may be dependent upon how open they are to treatment and self-improvement.
Identifying Early Signs and Symptoms of ASPD in Loved Ones
It is important to be able to identify the early signs and symptoms of ASPD in loved ones. However, it can be hard for some people to distinguish ASPD symptoms from normal adolescent behavior. Tools like family therapy or working with a mental health professional can help in observing behavioral patterns that may be indicative of ASPD.
When it comes to identifying ASPD, a consistent display of certain behaviors is often key. For example, many teens will experience signs of not wanting to obey authority from time to time. In addition, many kids can go through phases where they are being deceptive. However, it is important to recognize that this does not always mean they have a personality disorder or disease.
Rather, it is when a teen exhibits the same concerning behaviors over and over again that it may be a more serious worry. These common behavior traits to look out for include:
- Dangerous and impulsive behaviors in which they put themselves or others at risk
- Repeated aggression toward animals or people
- Consistent disregard of rules or the law
- Seemingly no fear of repercussions for one’s actions
- Frequent bullying, aggression, or fighting
- No display of remorse for how their behavior has hurt others
- Often trying to shift blame to others instead of taking responsibility
If you think that your child may be experiencing ASPD, it is important to reach out to a health professional. They can help to provide a diagnosis.
How Does ASPD Impact Relationships and Daily Life?
ASPD can impact an individual’s daily life in many ways and cause a lot of damage if it is untreated. It can play a role in their social interactions and make it difficult for them to form relationships with others. This can be connected to being misunderstood or having trouble getting along with other people.
Many people with ASPD desire to have strong, healthy relationships. However, due to frequent conflicts, maintaining these relationships can be difficult. Their struggle to feel empathy toward others can make it challenging to form a connection with other people. This can lead to them experiencing isolation and loneliness.
When ASPD is untreated, it can also lead to challenges with education or work. It can be difficult for someone with this disorder to secure and hold on to a job. This can be due to their impulsivity, feelings of superiority, or disregard for the rules. As a result, the individual may find themselves struggling financially or unable to live as independently as they would like.
Just like with any other mental health disorder, ASPD can be debilitating if left untreated. Some people may turn to substance abuse to cope with their unhappiness. This can lead to what is known as a dual diagnosis. For example, a person may struggle with undiagnosed ASPD and alcohol use disorder (AUD) simultaneously.
Other people may have additional undiagnosed mental health disorders alongside ASPD. For example, they could be experiencing anxiety or depression as well as ASPD. Dual diagnoses are very complex and it is important to treat them very delicately.
How Parents Can Support Children With ASPD
One of the best ways that parents can support children with ASPD is to ensure they have access to the treatment and counseling they need. Family therapy can help them learn how to better implement effective communication strategies with their child. They can also learn how to establish healthy boundaries and encourage positive behaviors. Having family support can play a very critical role in a patient’s treatment of ASPD.
Treatment Options for ASPD
Treating personality disorders like ASPD can be difficult for one key reason. Many people who have this disorder are unwilling to change their behavior. However, that doesn’t mean that treatment can’t still be effective if they open themselves up to it. Time and proper support can help encourage the individual to take an interest in treatment and self-improvement.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common method used to treat ASPD. It involves helping those with this disorder learn to recognize negative thought patterns and behaviors. Once they are more aware of these harmful patterns, they are more equipped to change them. For example, they may be able to control their sense of impulsivity or develop more of a sense of empathy.
Another way to treat ASPD is through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). While this treatment was initially primarily developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), it can help with ASPD too. This type of therapy involves teaching the person how to cope with intense emotions and manage difficult situations. For someone with ASPD, it may help particularly with managing impulsivity or disregard for authority.
Finally, some people with ASPD have found relief through certain prescription medications. These medications may include mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Ideally, these medications will relieve symptoms or make them easier for the individual to manage.
Why It Is Important to Advocate and Raise Awareness for ASPD
It is extremely important to advocate and raise awareness for those with ASPD as well as any other mental health disorders. Raising awareness helps to reduce negative stigma and bring an end to damaging misconceptions about this disorder. As a result, people may be more likely to respond to someone with ASPD with judgment or ridicule. Raising awareness can also help to encourage greater empathy and understanding toward those with mental health disorders.
Researchers don’t know exactly what causes some people to develop ASPD. However, there is some evidence that genetics could play a role. Spreading awareness that the cause of ASPD is not in the individual’s control can also help to reduce negative stigma.
Nobody should ever be afraid to seek treatment for their mental health. Advocating for those with ASPD can help prevent this fear.
Finding Help With Wisconsin Wellness
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, our team at Wisconsin Wellness can help provide support. Our dedicated team can guide you through the treatment process.
Many people who experience mental health disorders put off seeking treatment that they really need. This could be for many different kinds of reasons. They could be convinced that they can handle it all on their own. Perhaps, they don’t want to admit that they really have a disorder that they need professional treatment for. However, in many other cases, it is because they are afraid of how they will be viewed if they admit to needing help. At Wisconsin Wellness, we recognize that taking the first step toward seeking help can be intimidating. However, at our facility, you will be met with nothing but complete respect and compassion. To learn more, give us a call at (920) 404-2100 today.