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Symptoms of sociopathic personality disorder


Signs of a Sociopath: What to Look For

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on November 20, 2020

In this Article

  • What is a Sociopath?
  • Signs of a Sociopath
  • Dealing With a Sociopath

What is a Sociopath?

People often confuse the terms sociopath and psychopath and use them interchangeably. They aren’t different in the clinical sense. Both terms refer to people who have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Those with ASPD have no regard for others’ rights or feelings, lack empathy and remorse for wrongdoings, and have the need to exploit and manipulate others for personal gain. 

Nature and nurture play a role in ASPD. The reasons behind the disorder are not fully understood. The current belief is that psychopathy generally comes from genetic factors, such as parts of the brain not developing fully, while sociopathy results from an interruption in personality development by abuse or trauma in childhood. People often think that those with antisocial personality disorders are always criminals and are easy to spot, but many are unaware of the disorder and may never be diagnosed. 

Sociopaths have less consistent behavior than psychopaths. Psychopaths are more controlled and charming. Their manipulation is more detached, and they plan ahead. Sociopaths experience anxiety and find rage far harder to control. They may act without thought and, as a result, they may have a harder time blending in. Inconsistencies between their words and their lives may be easier to see.  

Signs of a Sociopath

It is important to realize that people have many personality traits. Someone may exhibit selfishness or act aggressively, but that doesn't mean they are a sociopath. Since many people who have ASPD don't recognize these traits as a problem, watching for consistent behavior patterns might be necessary.

Consistent behavior patterns in sociopaths include:

  • Lack of empathy for others
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Attempting to control others with threats or aggression 
  • Using intelligence, charm, or charisma to manipulate others
  • Not learning from mistakes or punishment
  • Lying for personal gain
  • Showing a tendency to physical violence and fights
  • Generally superficial relationships
  • Sometimes, stealing or committing other crimes
  • Threatening suicide to manipulate without intention to act 
  • Sometimes, abusing drugs or alcohol
  • Trouble with responsibilities such as a job, paying bills, etc.

Dealing With a Sociopath

Someone with sociopathy is unlikely to seek professional help or even realize they have ASPD. As a result, an important part of dealing and living with someone with ASPD is to know the process of getting them a diagnosis.

Who Needs a Diagnosis?

Children are usually not diagnosed with antisocial personality disorders because childhood development stages mimic some of these behaviors, and their personalities are continuously changing. If early warning signs are noticed in childhood, a conduct disorder may be diagnosed, and intervention may help.

If a teenager exhibits uncontrolled symptoms, such as stealing, harming animals, constantly lying, destroying property for no reason, and breaking rules without thinking of consequences, they may be diagnosable.

People who have a family history of personality disorders or those who have experienced abuse or neglect as children are more likely to develop sociopathy. Men are more likely than women to have sociopathy. 

Sociopaths are more likely to abuse their partners, spouses, and children. Since they may engage in criminal behavior, they are also more likely to spend time in prison, and their aggressive behavior can put them at risk of harm. They may have other mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety.

Steps to a Diagnosis

If there is a behavior pattern to suggest sociopathy, a doctor would begin with an assessment of behaviors and a complete physical exam, including blood tests, to rule out any physical illness. If there are no health concerns, the next step would be a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist, who can diagnose antisocial personality disorders with assessment tools and an interview. 

Treatment for a Sociopath

It is hard to treat those with ASPD, including sociopaths. Long-term therapy is needed, which can be especially hard as the sociopath may not recognize the problem. If a sociopath is willing to enter therapy, family involvement may help.

Sometimes, a psychiatrist will prescribe medicine, such as antipsychotic drugs or mood stabilizers, which may prevent impulsive or aggressive behavior. But medication is not considered a cure for antisocial personality disorders. 

Therapy sessions to learn about harmful behaviors and their impact on the sociopath and those around them can be useful. Therapy can teach ways to cope and manage behavior to improve relationships and behavior patterns. This can help improve social skills and coping mechanisms, making the person with ASPD happier and productive. Seeking help is the most important step.

Living With a Sociopath

If someone you love has ASPD, it can be very isolating. You can get help from a therapist or find a support group. You won't be able to change your loved one's behavior, but you can learn ways to understand and cope, or ways to set boundaries and protect yourself.

If you have experienced anxiety and depression as a result, support groups or therapy can help you. Having someone to talk to can make things easier. 

Antisocial Personality Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Written by Camille Noe Pagán

In this Article

  • Symptoms
  • Who’s at Risk?
  • Diagnosis and Treatment

People with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) can be witty, charming, and fun to be around -- but they can also lie and exploit others. People with ASPD appear uncaring and don’t show remorse for their actions. Someone with the disorder may act rashly, destructively, and unsafely without feeling guilty when their actions hurt other people.

Modern diagnostic systems consider ASPD to include two related but not identical conditions: A "psychopath" is someone whose hurtful actions toward others tend to reflect calculation, manipulation and cunning; they also tend not to feel emotion and mimic (rather than experience) empathy for others. It is a severe form of ASPD.They can be deceptively charismatic and charming. By contrast, "sociopaths" are somewhat more able to form attachments to others but still disregard social rules; they tend to be more impulsive, haphazard, and easily agitated than people with psychopathy. ASPD affects 2% to 4% of the population and is more common in men.

Symptoms

People with ASPD may often do the following;

  • Lie, con, and exploit others
  • Act rashly
  • Be irritable and aggressive
  • Fight or assault other people
  • Break the law and accepted social norms
  • Not care about the safety of others or themselves
  • Not show signs of remorse after hurting someone else
  • Fail to meet money, work, or social duties

Who’s at Risk?

Antisocial personality disorder affects more men than women. Experts don’t know for sure what causes it, but genetics and other biological factors are thought to play a role (especially in psychopathy), as can growing up in a traumatic or abusive environment (especially in sociopathy). Brain defects and injuries during developmental years may also be linked to ASPD, research shows.

Possibly because people with ASPD often break the law, a lot of prisoners have ASPD. As many as 47% of male inmates and 21% of female inmates have the disorder, research shows. Children and adolescents with conduct disorder are more likely to develop ASPD. Conduct disorder is similar to ASPD but is diagnosed in young people who repeatedly violate social norms and the rights of others.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To be diagnosed with ASPD, a person would have to have shown symptoms of conduct disorder before age 15. A diagnosis can’t be made until age 18, though. Often, adults with ASPD will have shown signs of conduct disorder in childhood or early adolescence. Symptoms are usually at their worst during a person’s late teenage years and in their 20s, but may improve on their own over time.

The disorder is hard to treat. People with ASPD rarely seek help on their own, because they often think they don’t need it.

When treatment is sought, behavioral therapy or psychotherapy in individual or group settings may help. Doctors sometimes use certain psychiatric medications like mood stabilizers or some atypical antipsychotics (off label) to treat symptoms like impulsive aggression and associated disorders. The FDA has not approved any medications specifically for antisocial personality disorder.

If someone close to you has ASPD, consider attending a support group, or seek help from a psychiatrist, social worker, or psychologist. You won’t be able to change your loved one’s behavior, but you can learn coping skills to help you set boundaries and protect yourself from harm.

Sociopathic Disorder - Symptoms, Causes, Stages

There is a misconception that the diagnosis "sociopathy" was specifically invented to justify murderers, rapists and other antisocial elements of society.

However, psychiatrists argue that this is far from the case. People with this disorder already from early childhood have behavioral problems, an antisocial lifestyle is formed, which ultimately leads to participation in criminal activities and serving sentences in places of deprivation of liberty.

Definition of disease - sociopathic disorder

Sociopathic disorder is a particularly complex type of personality disorder characterized by impulsive, aggressive, irresponsible, and often criminal behavior.

People with sociopathic personality disorder are manipulative, disrespectful, deceitful and reckless, and do not care about the feelings of others. They do not follow socially accepted norms or rules, they can easily break the law, cause physical or moral harm to other people, and refuse to take responsibility for their actions.

Sociopaths never experience guilt or remorse, often becoming members or leaders of criminal gangs and banned organizations.

Sociopathic personality disorder is especially common among certain segments of the population, such as prison inmates, alcoholics, drug addicts, and persons who have committed violent acts.

Previously, the terms "sociopathic personality disorder", "sociopathy", "psychopathy" were used to define this disorder. Today, according to the international classification of diseases of the 10th revision, this disease is referred to as "dissocial personality disorder" (ICD-10 F60.2).

The severity of the illness can range from occasional misbehavior to repeated breaking of the law and serious crimes.

Sociopathic personality disorder is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women. Research shows that the symptoms of sociopathy are most pronounced between the ages of 24 and 44 and then tend to subside.

Symptoms of a sociopathic disorder

Signs of a sociopathic disorder usually begin to appear in early adolescence. Until the age of 18, this condition is diagnosed as a conduct disorder. Children with conduct disorder may lie, steal, ignore rules, or bully other children.

Sometimes parents or healthcare professionals do not notice the signs of this disorder. After all, they can coincide with other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression.

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by the following manifestations:

  • physical and psychological aggressiveness;
  • recklessness;
  • irresponsibility;
  • indifference;
  • selfishness;
  • violent tendencies, cruelty;
  • hypocrisy, mendacity;
  • violation of the law and the rights of other people;
  • riskiness in deeds and actions;
  • conflict;
  • promiscuity;
  • tendency to manipulate people and deceive;
  • lack of regret and repentance for committed actions;
  • disregard for social norms;
  • difficulties in building long-term social relationships;
  • lack of control over one's emotions;
  • tendency to blame others for one's problems.

    A person with sociopathic personality disorder is bound to have a history of childhood conduct disorders such as truancy, delinquency (such as crime or substance abuse), and other destructive behaviors.

    Causes of the disease

    So what causes antisocial personality disorder?

    There is no specific answer to the question of what causes antisocial personality disorder, just as there is no single cause of sociopathic personality disorder.

    Psychiatrists identify the following risk factors for the development of this disease in humans:

    • genetic predisposition. It is believed that almost all mental illnesses can be inherited. If one of the next of kin suffers from antisocial personality disorder, the likelihood of its occurrence in a child is quite high.
    • Biochemical factors. Sociopaths have impaired biogenic amine metabolism, especially decreased levels of serotonin (a chemical in the brain that regulates mood and happiness).
    • Environment, upbringing. Psychological trauma or abuse in early childhood increases the risk of developing antisocial personality disorder later in life.
    • Lifestyle. About half of people with this disease are addicted to alcohol and drugs.
    • Comorbid psychiatric disorders (such as schizophrenia).

      The pathogenesis of sociopathic personality disorder is not fully understood.

      Studies have found that people with antisocial personality disorder have low levels of anxiety. As a result, the sociopath calmly violates the norms of modern society, without feeling remorse and anxiety.

      It is also believed that people suffering from this disease have high releases of adrenaline into the blood as a result of insufficient production of catecholamines. Because of this, disturbances occur in the physiological work of the whole organism, a person becomes irritable, aggressive.

      In addition, studies have found that sociopaths often respond to warnings or anticipation of stress with low brain arousal (eg, slow autonomic arousal and low-frequency EEG waves). Due to low arousal, these people may find it difficult to catch threatening or emotional situations. It is also possible that little physiological arousal causes patients to take risks and seek adventure. Anti-social activity may attract them precisely because it satisfies the need for more arousal.

      Stages and classification of the disease

      Psychiatrists do not distinguish specific stages of sociopathic personality disorder. However, during this disease there is a certain pattern.

      Sociopaths from childhood are distinguished by bad behavior, hostility, stubbornness, aggressiveness and cruelty towards animals.

      Over time, at school and adolescence, they begin to conflict with their parents, skip classes, arrange fights, set fires, abuse alcohol, and run away from home. In adulthood, sociopaths are prone to theft, vagrancy, illegal actions, violence, parasitism. Often these people end up in prisons.

      There are the following types of sociopathic disorders:

      • Latent or passive sociopaths. They are characterized by the fact that most of the time they restrain themselves and behave quite decently. They are taciturn and aware that they can be punished for committing offenses. But if provoked, they will immediately show all their sociopathic personality traits.
      • Active sociopaths. They cannot be restrained either externally or internally. They are distinguished by aggressiveness, conflict, a tendency to fights and showdowns.

        Complications of sociopathy

        Criminal behavior is a key feature of antisocial personality disorder, so there is a high risk that a person with this disorder will commit a crime and end up behind bars at some point in their life.

        It has also been found that people with this disease are 3-5 times more likely to suffer from the consequences of a sociopathic disorder such as alcohol and drug abuse. They also have an increased risk of premature death as a result of reckless behavior or suicide attempts.

        People with sociopathic personality disorder are also more likely to have relationship problems as adults and be unemployed or homeless.

        If you notice that someone you know or is close to has any of the following symptoms of antisocial personality disorder, seek immediate medical attention:

        • abrupt mood changes;
        • causing harm to oneself and others;
        • suicidal thoughts;
        • violent behavior.

          The disease is difficult to treat and the sooner treatment is started, the better the prognosis of the disease.

          Diagnosis of the disease

          The psychiatrist examines the patient, conducts a conversation with him and his relatives, collects a complete anamnesis.

          A diagnosis of sociopathic personality disorder can only be made by a psychiatrist if the person is 18 years of age or older and meets at least 3 of the following behavioral criteria:

          • repeated violation of the law;
          • prone to deceit, deceit;
          • impulsiveness;
          • irritability and aggressiveness;
          • reckless disregard for one's own safety or the safety of others;
          • irresponsibility;
          • lack of remorse for bad deeds.

            All of these signs are part of a person's daily personality and behavior, and not a manifestation of a schizophrenic or manic episode.

            Such behavior becomes especially extreme and difficult in late adolescence and at the age of 20 years.

            Some disorders can mimic antisocial personality disorder, so it is important that the treating physician makes an accurate diagnosis. Differential diagnosis of sociopathic personality disorder should be carried out with the following diseases:

            • borderline personality disorder, unstable mood and manipulative behavior;
            • narcissistic personality disorder or inflated sense of self-importance;
            • Substance abuse, addiction to drugs or alcohol.

              Treatment for antisocial personality disorder

              In the past, sociopathic personality disorder was considered a lifelong diagnosis, beyond control and treatment. Now the opinion of psychiatrists has changed significantly.

              Evidence suggests that with timely therapy, improvements in the patient's social behavior can be achieved, even if underlying characteristics such as lack of empathy still persist.

              The recommended treatment for a person with antisocial personality disorder will depend on the circumstances and factors such as age, history of delinquency, and the presence of any comorbid problems (eg, alcohol or drug abuse).

              There is no definitive cure for a sociopathic disorder. However, treatments such as drug therapy or psychotherapy can help control the patient's behavior.

              Medications help sociopaths cope with aggression, depression, or unstable moods. In this case, the attending physician can use:

              • antidepressants that regulate the level of serotonin in the brain;
              • antipsychotics that control aggressive behavior;
              • Mood stabilizers to help manage sudden changes in mood or behavior.

                Another treatment for sociopathic personality disorder is psychotherapy.

                Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change the way a person thinks and behaves. Therapy for antisocial disorder helps people think about how their behavior affects others. Some sociopaths may benefit from individual therapy, while others may benefit from group or family therapy. The recommended duration of treatment is 18 months, as the person should have enough time to make changes in their behavior and learn how to put new skills into practice.

                In severe and rare cases, with the ineffectiveness of the described methods of treating sociopathy, by decision of the council, electroconvulsive therapy can be used.

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                Prevention and recommendations for illness

                There is no one right way to prevent sociopathic personality disorder. But if a conduct disorder is detected in a person in early childhood, then timely therapy can help prevent the development of sociopathy in adulthood.

                General recommendations for the prevention of sociopathy include the following recommendations:

                • refusal to use alcoholic beverages and drugs;
                • stress management, use of relaxation techniques;
                • education of the child's personality in a family with a healthy psychological environment;
                • compliance with the regime of work and rest, good sleep.

                  References:

                  1. Gannushkin P.B. Clinic of psychopathy, their statics, dynamics, systematics. - Nizhny Novgorod: Publishing house of the Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy, 1998.
                  2. McWilliams, Nancy. Psychoanalytic diagnosis: Understanding personality structure in the clinical process. - Moscow: Klass, 1998.
                  3. Eric Bern. Introduction to Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis for the Uninitiated = A Layman`s Guide to Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis (1968). - Minsk: Potpourri, 2006

                  general information, causes, symptoms, treatment

                  Dissocial personality disorder (sociopathy, unstable psychopathy, antisocial psychopathy) is a mental personality disorder characterized by ignoring social norms and the rights of other people, a tendency to illegal actions.

                  According to the ICD-10 classification, dissocial personality disorder (F60.2) belongs to the group of specific personality disorders (F60). In accordance with the ICD, specific personality disorders are classified as severe disorders, with marked behavioral abnormalities. They are not a direct consequence of disease or any damage to the brain. The disorder is almost always associated with social breakdown and negatively affects several areas of a person's life. They begin in childhood and adolescence and last for many years. The disorder is detected in 1% of women and 3% of men. Residents of cities, children from large families, people from low-income segments of the population are most susceptible to the emergence of sociopathy.

                  Researchers claim that patients with antisocial disorder make up to 75% of the contingent of places of detention. But not all sociopaths become criminals - some people commit socially condemned, but not formally punishable actions.

                  There are two types of people with antisocial personality disorder: passive and active. "Passive" sociopaths do not have internal moral restrictions, but are repelled by the norms of external authorities (religion, legislation). Such behavior protects them from open conflicts with society and allows them to formally meet the requirements of society.

                  "Active" sociopaths have no internal and external restrictions. If necessary, they can demonstrate to others their responsibility, decency and readiness to abide by the rules of society, but at any opportunity they stop limiting themselves and return to antisocial behavior. "Active" sociopaths often demonstrate criminal behavior, passive - hidden, formally unpunished (lie, manipulation, neglect of duties).

                  Clinically, sociopathy is manifested by a complete lack of guilt and responsibility for one's actions, an inability to learn from negative experiences. The person is prone to lies and hypocrisy, self-centered, aggressive, lacks empathy and affection. As with other psychotic conditions, the person acts impulsively, but sociopaths are aware that they violate the norms of society, unlike people with psychosis.

                  People with antisocial disorder commit illegal actions in order to obtain profit or pleasure (fraud, exploitation, etc.), they do not cope well with failures. A person justifies and rationalizes his actions, is indifferent to the negative consequences of his actions for others.

                  The allocation of this type of personality disorder is conditional. Rather, it is the same type of formation of different constitutional forms of personality. Some of the personalities can be attributed to the circle of schizoid psychopathy (emotionally cold expansive schizoids), others - to emotionally unstable and narcissistic personality disorders.

                  The main role in the occurrence of antisocial personality disorder is played by heredity and upbringing. With age, some correction of their behavior is possible.

                  Sociopathies often coexist with other psychiatric illnesses (borderline personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulse disorder) and addictions such as substance abuse and alcohol addiction.

                  Sociopathy is a dynamic personality structure along with masochistic, hysterical and others, which is formed from genetic predisposition and psychogenic factors. Behavior is difficult to treat and correct. Sociopaths are able to be responsible for their actions, they deliberately violate the laws, feeling permissiveness.

                  Such a person easily endures loneliness, often changes partners, if necessary, create a family, does this in order to better integrate into society. He attracts attention with his charisma and high intelligence.

                  Uses the norms of society well for his own purposes, rejects traditional patterns of behavior and thinking, does not listen to medical recommendations, easily gives up his comfort (life in an inappropriate place for this, hitchhiking, vagrancy, etc.) Sociopaths do not believe and do not trust anyone .

                  Causes of disorder

                  Genetic and psychogenic factors contribute to the development of antisocial personality disorder. The mechanism of development of impulsivity and aggression towards others may be associated with the pathological functioning of the serotonin carrier gene. The hormonal apparatus of a person with sociopathy produces less serotonin, as a result of which he is not able to take the necessary emotions from communication, to experience empathy.

                  In close male relatives, sociopathy occurs five times more often than in other relatives. In families of patients with antisocial personality disorder, hysterical disorders are often detected. High criminal activity of family members, the presence of relatives suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction, poverty and unfavorable social conditions are also considered as factors contributing to the development of dissocial disorder.

                  The presence of mental illness in close relatives increases the risk of the disorder in children. In this case, the role is played by hereditary predisposition and the adoption of a behavior model from parents (quarrels between family members, violence, divorce of parents), and much also depends on the methods of education (if relatives neglect the child, use violence, are inconsistent in discipline, etc.).

                  Sociopathy, like other personality disorders, can be caused by a lack of parental love and care in childhood, which leads to a lack of trust in people. A person with such an experience is emotionally alienated and is able to establish contact with other people only by force. In some cases, family members can unknowingly instill in a person an antisocial behavior model - they give in to a child in order to maintain good relations, in response to his aggressive behavior or stubbornness. Overprotection or neglect can also affect.

                  People with antisocial disorder find it difficult to accept any point of view other than their own. Studies have shown that people with this disorder are often less anxious than other people. Individuals with antisocial disorder have been found to be less able than controls to solve laboratory tasks, such as finding a way out of a maze, when the key reinforcers are punishments, such as some sort of shock or monetary fine. When the punishments were made more explicit or brought to the subjects' attention to them, learning improved. It is difficult for a person to learn from his mistakes, this may be due to the lack of an element that is key in the learning process.

                  Scientists have found that subjects with this disease respond to the expectation of stress by low excitation of the brain (slow excitation of the autonomic nervous system, low-frequency EEG waves). Due to low brain arousal, patients may find it difficult to grasp threatening situations, so they have little effect on them. Perhaps that is why anti-social and risky activities attract people, satisfying the need for more excitement.

                  Symptoms of the disorder

                  Sociopathy can appear as early as early preschool and adolescence, and symptoms in boys usually become visible as early as early school age. In girls, symptoms appear a little later - during the prepubertal period. The symptoms of the disorder are numerous: the child is selfish, hostile, stubborn, cruel (acts evil with peers, tortures animals, skips classes, runs away from home, spoils property, steals). In dealing with people, he is angry, quick-tempered, fits of rage are possible. Has a very high opinion of himself. A distinctive feature of patients with antisocial personality disorder is early opposition to parents. Due to the lack of attachment to their neighbors and a critical assessment of their actions, they neglect family traditions, moral and legal norms.

                  A person can deceive, speculate or manipulate other people for his own purposes, using his intellectual abilities for this. In order to get what they want, they are extremely charming, talkative, and endearing. They constantly crave light entertainment and pleasures, an idle lifestyle, try to avoid any work, study, fulfillment of any duties. From adolescence, they are drawn to asocial companies, alcohol, and drugs. They are indifferent to their future, live in the present. Weak-willed and cowardly - they try to run away from any difficulties and troubles.

                  Patients with antisocial personality disorder may rationalize their actions by blaming those they offended that they themselves are to blame or that they deserve such treatment. They do not feel remorse and repentance, they are always sure that they are right, at any cost they do what they consider the best for themselves at the expense of other people. They are guided not only by selfish interests, but also by the desire to annoy and offend others. Any penalty from them is regarded as a manifestation of injustice.

                  In adulthood, a person with a similar disorder most often looks adequate and socially adapted. There are no problems in communication - thanks to the charm and ability to win over others, they often make a good impression with superficial contacts. Sociopaths have a special attraction, and people who need to be nurtured and guided like to be around such a “strong” person. It reassures them and gives them confidence. A person with a sociopathy is often sexually attractive, which he takes advantage of. Sexual life is a source of pleasure. Such a person is not able to love, empathize, sympathize, but can imitate love. you will never suspect that he does not feel anything for you.

                  A person with a dissocial disorder is a desperate debater who always wins, and if they try to catch him, he will dodge to the end, but will not admit to being wrong or lying and most likely will go on the counterattack. When trying to argue the accusations and his wrongness, the sociopath will respond with accusations that they want to denigrate his honor. You should not compete with such a person, in any situation it is important for him to always win, and he uses any means for this.

                  As a result of their impulsiveness, patients do not plan in advance, are socially and financially irresponsible - carelessly handle money, often move, change their place of residence and work, relationships. They may not pay bills, loans, alimony. Very often, sociopaths end up in prison, for many people with this disorder, the criminality of behavior begins to decrease after 40 years. Abuse alcohol and psychoactive substances. In a state of intoxication, conflict and aggressiveness increase.

                  Antisocial personality disorder persists throughout life, treatment is ineffective, but it helps to slightly correct behavior. Some patients create social groups isolated from society, become leaders of sects or criminal gangs. With age, many patients develop concomitant affective and somatic disorders, alcoholism, and drug addiction.

                  Diagnosis of disorder

                  The disorder is diagnosed on the basis of a conversation with a person and the collection of an anamnesis of life. To assess the degree of neglect of duties and neglect of established rules, social conditions and cultural norms of a particular region are taken into account.

                  Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed in the presence of general manifestations of the disorder and specific symptoms:

                  • the disorder is initiated at an early age (up to 15 years), there are no alternating periods of exacerbation and recovery;
                  • constant deliberate violation of social norms, laws, disregard for the rights and feelings of people;
                  • a person easily loses his temper, is angry, prone to violence;
                  • there is no sense of guilt and responsibility for their actions;
                  • a tendency to constant lies, fraud and manipulation;
                  • condemnation of other people's actions, justification and rationalization of their own;
                  • there is no planning, impulsiveness of actions, irresponsibility.

                  The disorder can be differentially diagnosed with the following diseases:

                  Narcissistic Personality Disorder . The person is not capable of empathy, tends to exploit others for their own purposes, but is not aggressive. Patients with narcissistic disorder have difficulty managing their self-esteem, it is important for them to hear praise and belong to special groups of people. To maintain their sense of superiority, they devalue other people and their achievements. They overestimate their abilities and exaggerate their achievements. Patients with antisocial personality disorder exploit others for material gain, while those with narcissistic personality disorder exploit others to maintain their self-esteem.

                  Borderline Personality Disorder . BPD patients are prone to manipulative behavior, the goal of manipulation is to gain attention and support, not material gain. Patients experience intense fear or anger when they feel ignored or rejected, afraid of being abandoned, left alone. Often and abruptly change the point of view, there is a phase of idealization and devaluation. They empathize only if they are sure that this person will come to their aid at any moment and will not leave them alone. After the end of the outburst of anger, he feels guilt and shame, convinces himself how much he himself is a bad person.

                  Conduct disorders . Destructive patterns of behavior, in violation of norms and laws, occur before the age of 15 and stop with adulthood. In about a third of cases, they persist, the symptoms consistent with antisocial personality disorder. The disorders are characterized by persistent uncommunicative, aggressive, defiant patterns of behavior. Diagnosis is based on behavior patterns, including excessive conflict, deceit, cruelty to other people and animals, damage to property, etc. The presence of such pronounced signs is sufficient for diagnosis, but specific actions are evaluated only in conjunction with other factors.

                  Psychopathy . A disease with pronounced antisocial behavior, with complete preservation of thinking. Sociopathy is a milder form of psychopathy. With a normal existence in society, but a complete disregard for the rules and laws, we are talking about sociopathy. Psychopaths also know how to manipulate others, do not form attachments, other people are needed only to achieve their goals and entertainment. But if the psychopath is inclined to build and implement his plans in cold blood, then the sociopath acts spontaneously, often commits risky acts.

                  Substance dependence . Impulsivity and irresponsibility can be the result of substance use. The analysis is based on the patient's history. Dependence can accompany a dissocial disorder, or be an independent disease.

                  Heboid schizophrenia . The presence of pronounced emotional changes and early onset emotional dullness is often a sign of slowly developing schizophrenia with heboid manifestations or chronic mania. The leading place in the manifestations of the heboid state in schizophrenia in adolescence is occupied by psychopathological disorders that contribute to a strong distortion and exaggeration of the typical manifestations of puberty (the desire to assert oneself, a tendency to oppose, contradict others). Under the influence of the disorder, the usual manifestations become psychopathological, total negativism and opposition to others and discipline develop.

                  Dissociative Identity Disorder . A type of dissociative (conversion) disorder. It is characterized by the presence of two or more alternating personalities (alter-personality, ego-state or identity). Dissociative identity disorder is accompanied by an involuntary escape from reality, derealization, depersonalization. Inability to recall events from daily life, certain personal information, traumatic events, or severe stress. The cause of conversion disorder is almost always a trauma in childhood or adulthood. As a result of an identity disorder, a person finds himself in one or more personalities at the same time or in turn. At such moments, a person disconnects from himself and stops feeling his own body, may not see himself from the outside. Personalities within a person can have different ages, genders, nationalities, mental abilities, temperaments, and have completely different behaviors and habits.

                  Emotionally unstable personality disorder . Such people are prone to impulsive actions, are not afraid of consequences, are unpredictable, conflict and capricious. They tend to have emotional outbursts and are unable to control their temper tantrums. There are two types of disorder: impulsive type (emotional instability and lack of emotional control) and borderline type (characterized by a disorder of self-perception, goals and aspirations, a constant feeling of emptiness, tension and instability of interpersonal relationships, self-destructive behavior, suicidal attempts are possible).

                  Treatment of antisocial disorder in Alter

                  Individuals with antisocial disorder almost never seek psychiatric help. But many sociopaths feel the inner emptiness that is formed due to the lack of attachments and harmonious relationships with others, and they want to correct this.

                  Treatment of antisocial disorder is carried out with the help of a course of individual psychotherapy, sometimes methods of cognitive behavioral therapy and situational management. It is not easy for a specialist to find contact with such people, but the doctors of the Alter Mental Health Center are able to find an approach to each patient.

                  Treatment at Alter for patients with antisocial personality disorder is selected individually, depending on the overall clinical picture. Individual psychotherapy helps to achieve a strong positive effect, harmonizing the life of the patient and his loved ones, and is also aimed at correcting the model of thinking and behavior, impulse control. Pharmacotherapy is prescribed if sociopathy has comorbid mental disorders to relieve symptoms.

                  Patients with severe impulsivity, aggressiveness, and affective lability benefit from treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications.

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