Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes known as sociopathy, is a mental health condition in which a person fails to distinguish between right and wrong and end up disregarding the feelings of others.
People with antisocial personality disorder are more likely to agitate, manipulate, or treat others brutally or indifferently. They show no remorse or regret for their conduct.
Individuals who suffer with antisocial personality disorder are prone to breaking the law and becoming criminals. They may lie, act irrationally or violently, and are alcohol or drug addict. Because of these characteristics, people with this condition frequently cannot fulfil commitments related to family, job, or school.
What is the root cause of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)?
Following variables may enhance a person's chance of acquiring ASPD:
Biology: People with ASPD may have elevated serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain molecule that governs our mood and happiness levels.
Childhood Trauma: Early childhood trauma or abuse increases the chances of occurrence of ASPD later in life.
Genetics: Some hereditary factors may predispose some people to ASPD. However, no single genetic element is known to be to blame for the illness.
Also read: Can Your Sex Life Impact Mental Health? Here's What You Need To Know
Symptoms
Following are the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder
- Disregard for what is right and wrong
- Consistent dishonesty or lying in order to exploit others
- Callousness, cynicism, and disdain towards others
- Using intelligence or charm to influence others for personal benefit or pleasure
- Arrogance, a sense of superiority, and having strong opinions
- recurring legal issues, including criminal activity
- Repeatedly infringing on the rights of others through intimidation and deception
- Impatience or an inability to plan ahead
- Hostility, irritation, agitation, aggression, or violence are all examples of rage.
- Unnecessary risk-taking or harmful action with no regard for one's own or others' safety
- Relationships that be poor or abusive
- Failure to consider or learn from the negative repercussions of behaviour
- Consistently being reckless and failing to meet job or financial commitments
Adults with antisocial personality disorder generally exhibit conduct disorder symptoms before the age of fifteen. Conduct disorder symptoms include substantial, persistent behavioural issues such as:
- Aggression against humans and animals
- Devastation of property
- Deceitfulness
- Serious rule violation
Although antisocial personality disorder is considered a lifelong disease, certain symptoms, particularly destructive and criminal activity, may fade over time in some persons. However, it is unclear whether this decline is due to ageing or a greater knowledge of the repercussions of antisocial behaviour.
Also read: 5 Ways Your Physical And Mental Health Are Linked
When Should You See A Doctor?
People suffering from antisocial personality disorder are unlikely to seek treatment on their own. If you suspect a friend or family member has the issue, suggest gently that they need to get help from a mental health expert and offer to assist them in finding one.
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