Antisocial Personality Disorder Research Paper
What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?
Shayne C. Frost
Ivy Tech College
Psychology 101
R. Carpenter
Abstract In this paper I will be informing you about Antisocial Personality disorder. I think we all have our own image of what a person with (APD) is but how much do you really know about it? I will be going into the causes of (APD). Things like influences from the environment, and how a person’s home life was as a child. I will be looking at how (APD) is diagnosed by professionals and the many signs and symptoms of (APD). This paper also researches how long (APD) can or will last and who is at risk of getting it. I will also inform you about the risks associated with (APD), how it is treated and possible prevention. …show more content…
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a type of chronic mental condition in which a person 's ways of perceiving situations, thinking and relating to others are dysfunctional — and destructive.
People with antisocial personality disorder typically have little or no regard for right and wrong and often disregard the rights, wishes, and personal boundaries of others. Those with antisocial personality disorder tend to antagonize, manipulate and or treat others either harshly or with callous indifference. They may often violate the law, landing in frequent trouble, yet they show no guilt or remorse. They may lie, behave violently or impulsively, and have problems with drug and alcohol use. These characteristics typically make people with antisocial personality disorder unable to fulfill responsibilities related to family, work or school. (mayo clinic, 2014) Now that you have a better understanding of (APD) I will move on to my next point. What causes …show more content…
(APD)?
What causes (APD?)
Antisocial personality disorder is thought to be caused by a combination of factors. Having any of these characteristics does not necessarily mean that a person has antisocial personality disorder but these are thought of as causing factors.
Influences from the environment. A chaotic family life contributes to the development of this personality disorder, especially where there has been little supervision from parents or other adult role models. The disorder also may be more common where the community is not supportive or provides little reward for positive behavior. In some situations, there may even be reinforcement for sociopathic behavior.
Genetic or biological factors. Researchers have found certain physiological responses that may occur more frequently in people with (APD). For example, they have a moderately flat response to stress. They seem to get less anxious than the average person. They seem to have a harder time maintaining daytime stimulation. They also have a weak “startle reflex,” the reflex response to loud noises. This relative insensitivity may affect their ability to learn from reward and punishment.
The frontal lobe, the area of the brain that controls judgment and planning, it also appears to be different in people with antisocial personality disorder. Some researchers have found changes in the volume of brain structures that mediate violent behavior. People with this kind of brain function may thus have more difficulty restraining their impulses, which may account for the tendency toward more aggressive behavior. Neurobiologists cannot say with certainty that these variations in brain structure are a cause of antisocial personality. The variations could easily be the result of life experiences that are more common in people with this personality disorder rather than a cause. ( Harvard Health Publications, 2013) Now that we have a better idea of what causes (APD), how does someone find out if they have it?
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made on the basis of a person 's history, usually by a mental health professional. There are no laboratory tests to assist in diagnosing this disorder. Other psychiatric disorders, such as a mood or anxiety disorder, attention deficit disorder, or substance abuse, may also be present. What are the signs to look for with (APD)?
Signs and Symptoms May Include: lying or deceit manipulate others for personal gain or for sheer personal pleasure
Intense egocentrism sense of superiority and exhibitionism
Recurring difficulties with the law
Repeatedly violating the rights of others by the use of intimidation, dishonesty and misrepresentation
Child abuse or neglect
Hostility, significant irritability, agitation, impulsiveness, aggression or violence
Lack of empathy for others and lack of remorse about harming others
Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behaviors
Poor or abusive relationships
Irresponsible work behavior
Disregard for right and wrong
Failure to learn from the negative consequences of behavior antisocial personality disorder symptoms normally will begin in early in life and are fully evident for most people during their twenty’s and thirty’s. In children, cruelty to animals, bullying behavior, impulsivity or explosions of anger, social isolation, and poor school performance may be, in some cases, early signs of the disorder. (NHS Choices, 2014) (Pub Med Health, 2014)
How Long Will (APD) Last?
Although considered a lifelong disorder, some symptoms — particularly destructive and criminal behavior and the use of alcohol or drugs — may decrease over time, but it 's not clear whether this decrease is a result of aging or an increased awareness of the consequences of antisocial behavior. (mayo clinic, 2014) Knowing that this is more and likely a lifelong disease brings up my next point. Who is likely to get (APD)?
Who is at risk?
Antisocial personality disorder affects far more men than women. It 's not known why some people develop antisocial personality disorder, but both genetics and traumatic childhood experiences (such as child abuse or neglect) are believed to be a causing factor. Someone with antisocial personality disorder will typically have an antisocial or alcoholic parent, and will have grown up in a poor environment and more than likely have inconsistent parenting. What is a likely outcome for a person with (APD)? How can it effect their life?
What are the risks associated with the condition?
There 's a high risk that someone with antisocial personality disorder will commit crimes and be imprisoned at some point in their life. Men with antisocial personality disorder have been found to be three to five times more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs than those without the disorder, and are at high risk of accidentally injuring themselves or committing suicide. Many will be unemployed and/or homeless. (NHS Choices, 2014)What can be done to treat or help improve (APD)?
How is antisocial personality disorder treated?
It used to be thought that antisocial personality disorder was a lifelong disorder, but that 's not always true – it can be treated .Evidence suggests that with therapy, behavior can improve over time, even if main characteristics, like lack of empathy remain. It is a well-known fact that, antisocial personality disorder is one of the hardest personality disorders to treat. Also, it 's not very common that someone with antisocial personality disorder will seek treatment on their own. Many only start therapy when required to by a court. One of the main ways to treat (APD) is Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a type of therapy used to treat emotional problems and mental health conditions. It involves talking to a trained therapist, either one-to-one, in a group or with your wife, husband or partner. This type of therepy allows you to look deeper into your problems and worries and deal with troublesome habits and a wide range of mental disorders, such as depression. Psychotherapy usually involves talking but sometimes other methods may be used – for example, art, music, drama and movement. Psychotherapy can help you to discuss feelings you have about yourself and other people, particularly family and those close to you. In some cases, couples or families are offered joint therapy sessions together. A therapist will treat sessions as confidential. This means you can trust them with information that may be personal or embarrassing. Medication is sometimes used. Antipsychotics and antidepressants may help some people with antisocial disorder, although there 's no strong evidence to support the use of medication in antisocial personality disorder. The antipsychotic drugs carbamazepine and lithium may help aggression and impulse control, and a class of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may improve anger and personality disorder symptoms in general. ( Harvard Health Publications, 2013) (NHS Choices, 2014) What can we do to prevent someone from getting (APD)?
Prevention for (APD)
There is no way to prevent this disorder.
It is conceivable that a general improvement in social conditions could reduce the incidence of antisocial personality disorder. An improvement in a person 's social environment may reduce the severity of the problem, especially if changes are made early in life. It is important to know and understand (APD) epically if you are a parent of a child with (APD). You might not be able to stop the disorder but knowing the factors involved with it may help to live a better life and prevent the symptoms from being as sever. ( Harvard Health Publications, 2013)
References
Harvard Health Publications. (2013). Retrieved from Harvard Medical School Health topics A-Z: http://search.credoreference.com.allstate.libproxy.ivytech.edu/content/entry/hhphealth/antisocial_personality_disorder/0
Mayo clinic. (2014, November 15). Retrieved from Mayo clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org
NHS Choices. (2014, November 15). Retrieved from NHS Choices: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Pub Med Health. (2014, November 15). Retrieved from U.S. National Library for Medicine:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/
Shayne C. Frost
Ivy Tech College
Psychology 101
R. Carpenter
Abstract In this paper I will be informing you about Antisocial Personality disorder. I think we all have our own image of what a person with (APD) is but how much do you really know about it? I will be going into the causes of (APD). Things like influences from the environment, and how a person’s home life was as a child. I will be looking at how (APD) is diagnosed by professionals and the many signs and symptoms of (APD). This paper also researches how long (APD) can or will last and who is at risk of getting it. I will also inform you about the risks associated with (APD), how it is treated and possible prevention. …show more content…
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a type of chronic mental condition in which a person 's ways of perceiving situations, thinking and relating to others are dysfunctional — and destructive.
People with antisocial personality disorder typically have little or no regard for right and wrong and often disregard the rights, wishes, and personal boundaries of others. Those with antisocial personality disorder tend to antagonize, manipulate and or treat others either harshly or with callous indifference. They may often violate the law, landing in frequent trouble, yet they show no guilt or remorse. They may lie, behave violently or impulsively, and have problems with drug and alcohol use. These characteristics typically make people with antisocial personality disorder unable to fulfill responsibilities related to family, work or school. (mayo clinic, 2014) Now that you have a better understanding of (APD) I will move on to my next point. What causes …show more content…
(APD)?
What causes (APD?)
Antisocial personality disorder is thought to be caused by a combination of factors. Having any of these characteristics does not necessarily mean that a person has antisocial personality disorder but these are thought of as causing factors.
Influences from the environment. A chaotic family life contributes to the development of this personality disorder, especially where there has been little supervision from parents or other adult role models. The disorder also may be more common where the community is not supportive or provides little reward for positive behavior. In some situations, there may even be reinforcement for sociopathic behavior.
Genetic or biological factors. Researchers have found certain physiological responses that may occur more frequently in people with (APD). For example, they have a moderately flat response to stress. They seem to get less anxious than the average person. They seem to have a harder time maintaining daytime stimulation. They also have a weak “startle reflex,” the reflex response to loud noises. This relative insensitivity may affect their ability to learn from reward and punishment.
The frontal lobe, the area of the brain that controls judgment and planning, it also appears to be different in people with antisocial personality disorder. Some researchers have found changes in the volume of brain structures that mediate violent behavior. People with this kind of brain function may thus have more difficulty restraining their impulses, which may account for the tendency toward more aggressive behavior. Neurobiologists cannot say with certainty that these variations in brain structure are a cause of antisocial personality. The variations could easily be the result of life experiences that are more common in people with this personality disorder rather than a cause. ( Harvard Health Publications, 2013) Now that we have a better idea of what causes (APD), how does someone find out if they have it?
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made on the basis of a person 's history, usually by a mental health professional. There are no laboratory tests to assist in diagnosing this disorder. Other psychiatric disorders, such as a mood or anxiety disorder, attention deficit disorder, or substance abuse, may also be present. What are the signs to look for with (APD)?
Signs and Symptoms May Include: lying or deceit manipulate others for personal gain or for sheer personal pleasure
Intense egocentrism sense of superiority and exhibitionism
Recurring difficulties with the law
Repeatedly violating the rights of others by the use of intimidation, dishonesty and misrepresentation
Child abuse or neglect
Hostility, significant irritability, agitation, impulsiveness, aggression or violence
Lack of empathy for others and lack of remorse about harming others
Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behaviors
Poor or abusive relationships
Irresponsible work behavior
Disregard for right and wrong
Failure to learn from the negative consequences of behavior antisocial personality disorder symptoms normally will begin in early in life and are fully evident for most people during their twenty’s and thirty’s. In children, cruelty to animals, bullying behavior, impulsivity or explosions of anger, social isolation, and poor school performance may be, in some cases, early signs of the disorder. (NHS Choices, 2014) (Pub Med Health, 2014)
How Long Will (APD) Last?
Although considered a lifelong disorder, some symptoms — particularly destructive and criminal behavior and the use of alcohol or drugs — may decrease over time, but it 's not clear whether this decrease is a result of aging or an increased awareness of the consequences of antisocial behavior. (mayo clinic, 2014) Knowing that this is more and likely a lifelong disease brings up my next point. Who is likely to get (APD)?
Who is at risk?
Antisocial personality disorder affects far more men than women. It 's not known why some people develop antisocial personality disorder, but both genetics and traumatic childhood experiences (such as child abuse or neglect) are believed to be a causing factor. Someone with antisocial personality disorder will typically have an antisocial or alcoholic parent, and will have grown up in a poor environment and more than likely have inconsistent parenting. What is a likely outcome for a person with (APD)? How can it effect their life?
What are the risks associated with the condition?
There 's a high risk that someone with antisocial personality disorder will commit crimes and be imprisoned at some point in their life. Men with antisocial personality disorder have been found to be three to five times more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs than those without the disorder, and are at high risk of accidentally injuring themselves or committing suicide. Many will be unemployed and/or homeless. (NHS Choices, 2014)What can be done to treat or help improve (APD)?
How is antisocial personality disorder treated?
It used to be thought that antisocial personality disorder was a lifelong disorder, but that 's not always true – it can be treated .Evidence suggests that with therapy, behavior can improve over time, even if main characteristics, like lack of empathy remain. It is a well-known fact that, antisocial personality disorder is one of the hardest personality disorders to treat. Also, it 's not very common that someone with antisocial personality disorder will seek treatment on their own. Many only start therapy when required to by a court. One of the main ways to treat (APD) is Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a type of therapy used to treat emotional problems and mental health conditions. It involves talking to a trained therapist, either one-to-one, in a group or with your wife, husband or partner. This type of therepy allows you to look deeper into your problems and worries and deal with troublesome habits and a wide range of mental disorders, such as depression. Psychotherapy usually involves talking but sometimes other methods may be used – for example, art, music, drama and movement. Psychotherapy can help you to discuss feelings you have about yourself and other people, particularly family and those close to you. In some cases, couples or families are offered joint therapy sessions together. A therapist will treat sessions as confidential. This means you can trust them with information that may be personal or embarrassing. Medication is sometimes used. Antipsychotics and antidepressants may help some people with antisocial disorder, although there 's no strong evidence to support the use of medication in antisocial personality disorder. The antipsychotic drugs carbamazepine and lithium may help aggression and impulse control, and a class of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may improve anger and personality disorder symptoms in general. ( Harvard Health Publications, 2013) (NHS Choices, 2014) What can we do to prevent someone from getting (APD)?
Prevention for (APD)
There is no way to prevent this disorder.
It is conceivable that a general improvement in social conditions could reduce the incidence of antisocial personality disorder. An improvement in a person 's social environment may reduce the severity of the problem, especially if changes are made early in life. It is important to know and understand (APD) epically if you are a parent of a child with (APD). You might not be able to stop the disorder but knowing the factors involved with it may help to live a better life and prevent the symptoms from being as sever. ( Harvard Health Publications, 2013)
References
Harvard Health Publications. (2013). Retrieved from Harvard Medical School Health topics A-Z: http://search.credoreference.com.allstate.libproxy.ivytech.edu/content/entry/hhphealth/antisocial_personality_disorder/0
Mayo clinic. (2014, November 15). Retrieved from Mayo clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org
NHS Choices. (2014, November 15). Retrieved from NHS Choices: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Pub Med Health. (2014, November 15). Retrieved from U.S. National Library for Medicine:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/