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Antisocial Personality Disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is the most troubling and researched personality disorder, in which a person usually lacks a conscience of wrong-doing – even toward friends and family members. This person is often impulsive, selfish, dishonest, emotionally shallow, poorly socialized, often incapable of feeling shame, fear, loyalty or love. They tend to antagonize, manipulate or treat others harshly or with callous indifference, show little or no guilt or remorse for their behavior and are maladaptive. People having this disorder are often referred to as sociopaths or psychopaths.
Early Conflicts
Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder tend to have a long history of conflict with society, beginning with delinquency involving vandalism and theft. In many cases they begin to lie, steal, fight or display unrestrained sexual behavior before the age of 15 (Cale & Lilienfeld, 2002), later becoming criminals and a threat to the general public.
Some studies have detected the early signs of antisocial behavior in children as young as 3 to 6 (Casp, Et al., 1996). About half of such children become antisocial adults – unable to keep a job, irresponsible as a spouse and parent, aggressive, assaultive or otherwise criminal (Farrington, 1991).
Sociopath = User
Sociopaths are typically thrill-seekers, but rarely crazed murderers. Many are charming at first. Friends only gradually become aware of the sociopath’s lying and self-serving manipulation. They are usually blind to signs of the sociopath’s disgust of others, the way they coldly use others, and cheat their way through life.
Most sociopaths were emotionally deprived as children. Subtle neurological problems often are discovered as an under-aroused brain, searching for stimulation that is strong enough to overcome their chronic under-arousal and feelings of boredom. Sociopaths feel very little anxiety – the opposite end of the scale are people who have high anxiety problems.
Biological and Psychological Aspects
As with Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia, the Antisocial Personality Disorder is comprised of both biological and psychological aspects. Studies show that biological relatives having antisocial and emotional tendencies are at increased risk for antisocial behavior (Rhee & Waldman, 2002).
People with Antisocial Personality Disorder rarely seek professional help on their own. Antisocial Personality Disorder is considered lifelong, in some people, decreasing over time. But it’s not clear whether this decrease is a result of aging or an increased awareness of the consequences of their antisocial behavior.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you towards improving your life.
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