7 Signs you may have Antisocial Personality Disorder
Reviewed By: Kelley Johnson, LCSW
Written By: Daniel Mark Hipp
Cluster B Personality Disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder is categorized as a Cluster B Personality Disorder. The cluster B category is known for being “dramatic”, “erratic", and “emotional” (Durand & Barlow, 2016).
Other Cluster B personality disorders include borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder.
Are Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy the same thing?
When you hear the word antisocial, you likely conjure up images of someone who does not particularly enjoy talking with others. They may be a shut in or a homebody. They may be an introvert who gets exhausted from too many social interactions.
If you place antisocial into the context of personality disorders, you will find a different extreme. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder are likely anything but what the word antisocial likely brings up in your own imagination.
Psychopath. This is the name that most often gets confused with antisocial personality disorder. It is hard to distinguish between the two. It’s long been argued whether there even is a difference between the two disorders (Durand & Barlow, 2016).
7 Signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder
The 5th text revision edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders identifies 7 traits related to antisocial personality disorder. If you are experiencing three or more of these symptoms, you should consult a Psychologist.
“A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:
Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest.
Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.
Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead.
Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults.
Reckless disregard for safety of self or others.
Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations.
Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another” (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
6 Signs of Psychopathy
One of the world’s most renowned experts on psychopathy is Hare. Hare published a checklist with 6 symptoms:
"Glibness/superficial charm.
Grandiose sense of self-worth.
Pathological Lying.
Conning/Manipulative.
Lack of remorse or guilt.
Callous/Lack of empathy” (Hare et al., 2012).
Underarousal Hypothesis for Conduct Disorder
There are two theories for the development of conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and psychopathy.
The first theory is known as the underarousal hypothesis.
It is best to think of this like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Too little and too much arousal leads to a bad mood and poor performance. There is an amount that is “just right”.
The suggestion here is that individuals with conduct disorder, anti-social personality disorder, or psychopathy are under stimulated to the point that they seek out stimulation through high risk behaviors which often hurt others (Sylvers, Ryan, Alden, & Brennan, 2009).
Fearlessness Hypothesis for Conduct Disorder
The second theory is known as the fearlessness hypothesis.
According to this theory, individuals with conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or psychopathy have extremely high tolerances for fear (Lykken, 1982).
That is to say that what scares the average individual is nothing but a mere tickle to someone with one of these diagnoses.
Many violent and erratic behaviors are deterred due to the fear of the outcome. People with one of these disorders don’t register this fear as a reason to stop.
It may be interpreted as stimulating behavior since it may fulfill one’s desires or needs. There may be something enjoyable for these individuals to engage in a behavior that is societally reprimanded.
Treatment Options for Antisocial Personality Disorder
It used to be the case that antisocial personality disorder was judged on observable behaviors (Durand & Barlow, 2016). Today, diagnosis takes place using more trait based criteria.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the gold standard treatment for antisocial personality disorder.
Just like with many other psychiatric conditions, it is difficult at times to distinguish what the proper diagnosis should be. Many symptoms overlap with different disorders.
It is difficult for individuals with antisocial personality disorder or psychopathy to realize that they have the condition. This stops them from ever making it into therapy.
The Healing Center Can Help
The Healing Center in Las Vegas provides tailored mental health services facilitated by a team proficient in addressing diverse cultural backgrounds. Certified therapists deliver in-person or remote sessions, aiming to reduce stigma and foster a mentally healthy community. Our Boutique Psychotherapy Center employs spiritually attuned counselors, employing various techniques to reconnect individuals with their inner selves and foster self-worth.
With holistic approaches, these therapists equip patients with strategies to navigate life's crises effectively.
For further information on their therapies or to schedule a consultation, please visit The Healing Center's website at https://www.thehealingcentervegas.com/.
Contact The Healing Center via phone (702)505-1280 or email TheHealingCenterOperations@gmail.com.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th. ed., text rev. ). Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Lykken, D. T. (1982). Fearfulness: Its carefree charms and deadly risks. Psychology Today, 16, 20-28.