Signs & Symptoms of Anti-Social Personality

Antisocial personality disorder, or APD, is a chronic mental illness in which people exhibit abnormal or destructive behavior toward others. Their behavior leads them to exploit, manipulate and violate the rights of others, often criminally. The severe form of this disorder is known as sociopathic personality disorder, psychopathy, or dyssocial personality disorder.

Causes

• The causes of antisocial personality disorder are unknown, since no blood, genetic or laboratory tests can be performed to diagnose APD. People reared by parents with APD or by parents who are alcoholic, physically or sexually abusive, or do not provide consistent discipline are more likely to suffer from APD. It's also believed that undiagnosed neurological disorders can contribute to the development of this condition. Perhaps because men tend to be more aggressive both physically and emotionally, the condition is more common with men than in women.

Signs

• Signs are behaviors that usually present themselves in childhood or the adolescent years and continue into adulthood. ADP is diagnosed only when someone age 18 or over has exhibited an erratic behavioral pattern since the age of 15. With children, their teachers, pediatricians and parents may be aware of early warning signs leading to ADP, such as conduct disorders like animal abuse or bullying other children, stealing, lighting fires and vandalism. Prisoners with APD seem to lack a conscience. They are society's predators, paying no attention to other peoples' feelings nor to the consequences of their actions for others. The worst behaviors in people with APD may become less frequent as they become older and less active, usually around their 40s and 50s.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder include frequent deceit or lying; child neglect or abuse; abusive relationships; and manipulation of others using intimidation, flattery, wit or charm. People with APD have a total lack of guilt about hurting others and are cynical and callous; they have no regard for what is right or wrong. They frequently violate the law; behave violently; and may not fulfill work, school or family responsibilities. They also lie, steal, commit check fraud, neglect or refuse to pay debts and may use weapons and sell illegal drugs. They believe they are superior to others, refuse to conform to social norms and can exploit others in their sexual relationships. They believe their victims are stupid, weak or unwary. They may also be alcohol or substance abusers.

Symptom Escalation

• The adult with ADP has escalated from juvenile delinquency behavior. The person with APD also suffers from anxiety or mood swings and can become suicidal when his behavior escalates. Sufferers become chronically unstable emotionally and mentally and become isolated from society. When not caught by the law, they feel invincible and continue to commit diverse criminal offenses. When caught, they can easily violate parole or other conditions of release. In some cases the symptoms become so severe that the person requires psychiatric hospitalization.