You may want to run a background check yourself if the individual does not disclose his past history to you.
Due to the nature of the disease, those suffering from APD are likely to test and violate boundaries. It is important that you stand your ground and seek counseling or support groups to help you manage the situation. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Delusions (or violent fantasies) Access to weapons Noted history of violence Gang involvement Expressions of intent to harm others Remorselessness about harm inflicted Troublesome abuse of alcohol or drugs Overt threats of harm to others Myopic focus on harming others Exclusion from others or increased isolation
Antisocial personality disorder is similar in many ways to narcissistic personality disorder; someone may be diagnosed with symptoms of both. Individuals who suffer from antisocial personality disorder tend to display a lack of empathy; they also present manipulation and deceit.
Antisocial behavior may not always be related to a disorder. Some people are just comfortable with living recklessly and form bad habits of living carelessly and irresponsibly. Be aware that people suffering from antisocial personality disorder rarely want treatment because they often do not believe that there is anything wrong with them. [10] X Research source You may have to be persistent to get the person help and try to keep him out of jail.
Personality spectrum disorders are thought to be genetic in part, and therefore may never go away altogether. [12] X Research source Glenn, A. L. , Johnson, A. K. , & Raine, A. (2013). Antisocial personality disorder: A current review. Current Psychiatry, 15, pp. 427-435. DOI: 10. 1007/s11920-013-0427-7
APD may present differently in men and women. Whereas men are more likely to demonstrate recklessness and violence in the forms of traffic violations, animal cruelty, starting fights, using weapons, and starting fires, women are more likely to report having many sexual partners, running away, and gambling. [15] X Research source Robins, L. N. , Tipp, J. E. , & Przybeck, T. (1991). Antisocial personality. in L. N. Robins & Regier (Eds. ), The epidemiologic catchment area study (pp. 258-290). New York, NY: The Free Press. [16] X Research source Mikulich-Gilbertson, S. K. , Slomonsen-Sautel, S. , Sakai, J. T. , & Booth, R. E. (2007). Gender similarities and differences in antisocial behavioral syndromes among injection drug users. The American Journal of Addictions, 16, 372-382. DOI: 10. 1080/10550490701525558
These conduct problems often appear early and are developed by age 10. [19] X Research source Stickle, T. R. , Kirkpatrick, N. M. , & Brush, L. N. (2009). Callous-unemotional traits and social information processing: Multiple risk-factor models for understanding aggressive behavior in antisocial youth. Law and Human Behavior, 33. pp. 515-529. DOI: 10. 1007/s10979-008-9171-1 Most psychologists and psychiatrists consider conduct disorder to be a top predictor of a future diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. [20] X Research source Corff, Y. L. , & Toupin, J. (2014). Overt versus covert conduct disorder symptoms and the prospective prediction of antisocial personality disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders, 28(6), pp. 864-872.
Pyromania (obsession with fire) Prolonged bed wetting Animal cruelty Bullying Property destruction Theft
This co-morbidity makes the treatment of these individuals increasingly complex, necessitating the involvement of psychotherapy, medication, and other approaches. [25] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The effectiveness of even a multifaceted approach may vary based on the severity of the individual case. More severe cases are less likely than milder cases to respond successfully to treatment. [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
ODD can be treated successfully with psychotherapy and medication. This treatment often includes involving parents in family cognitive behavioral therapy and giving the child social skills training. [28] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
The more severe the symptoms of conduct disorder are in a child, the more likely the child is to develop antisocial personality disorder as an adult.