Overview
Antisocial personality disorder is a chronic mental illness in which an individual’s thought patterns and ways of interacting with others are highly dysfunctional and destructive. The condition includes symptoms like indifference to rules, manipulative behaviors, and a lack of remorse for their actions. It often renders an individual unable to have a productive life in aspects like family, work, or school.
Symptoms
It’s usually evident during childhood if someone has antisocial personality disorder, and it should fully manifest by an individual’s 20s or 30s. Early warning signs of the disorder include:
- bullying,
- impulsivity,
- explosive anger,
- and cruelty to animals.
Overall antisocial personality disorder symptoms for the disorder include:
- a disregard for right and wrong,
- compulsive lying,
- manipulation of others,
- lack of empathy,
- chronic trouble with the law,
- and excessive egocentrism.
These symptoms demand attention from an antisocial personality disorder therapist.
Causes
Where does a personality disorder come from? While it’s not known for sure, it’s generally accepted to be a combination of genetics and environmental influences. Inherited traits and life situations can both play a part in the emergence of the disorder in an individual. Specifically, an early lack of empathy on the part of an individual is a warning sign, so identifying this quickly and seeking personality disorder counseling is a good idea.
Treatment
One of the problems with trying to treat people with antisocial personality disorder is that they often don’t want to be treated or feel like nothing is wrong with them. Even so, there are several options for treatment. Psychotherapy can help if patients are willing to admit that they contribute to the problem. As for medication, there aren’t any specific medications approved to treat antisocial personality disorder, but there are some psychiatric medications that can work for some cases. To get more personalized advice and treatment options, the best plan is to seek out a counseling center near you and get a personality disorder evaluation.
Prevention
While there aren’t any specific or surefire ways to prevent this disorder, it helps to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms. Getting appropriate treatment quickly and early is key. Aside from detecting symptoms, parents can help their kids avoid becoming adults with this disorder by offering effective discipline, teaching behavioral skills, and seeking family therapy assistance.
Why Choose New Horizons to Treat Antisocial Personality Disorder?
This kind of personality disorder can be complicated, but help is available. We have licensed psychologists who offer antisocial personality disorder counseling services in North Dallas. Through their expertise, we will help you through this difficult time, so you can come out stronger as a result. If you or a loved one could be suffering from antisocial personality disorder, please contact us. We’re ready to help.
