Bipolar Central
Devoted to Helping Those Living
with Bipolar Disorder

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)

Before 1980, the research and medical community usually referred to patients with this condition as ‘psychopathic’. These patients were typically egocentric, deceitful, manipulative, selfish and showed no remorse or guilt for harm done to others, nor did they exhibit signs of guilt for violent or cruel behavior. After 1980, the disorder was named Antisocial Personality Disorder and doctors looked for characteristics like violation of social norms, lying, stealing, arrests and erratic work and school behavior. In 1987, doctors attempted to define the symptoms more clinically so that Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) patients could be more objectively identified and treated. APD is the most common of these disorders. Patients with more severe symptoms are often classified as sociopathic or psychopathic. Patients with antisocial personality disorder act out conflict and ignore the rules that most people follow in society. They are impulsive, irresponsible, and seem to be callous toward the feelings and well-being of others. APD patients often have a history of legal problems, are known for their belligerent, aggressive behavior, and often have violent relationships, and they are at a higher risk for substance abuse, and alcoholism. Patients can be charming, but relationships are typically self-serving and manipulative in nature. They are expert at finding and exploiting weaknesses in others through deceit and intimidation. Patients are quick to anger, but do not hold grudges, and no matter what emotion they express, it does not seem to influence their future thought or action. APD patients rarely hold long-term jobs, they become bored and need constant change and stimulation. They are focused on immediate reward and instant gratification. The cause of antisocial personality disorder isn't known. Research seems to indicate that genetic factors and a history of child abuse may play a role.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear before age 15, but are usually not diagnosed until age 18. Symptoms can include:

• Repeated lying
• Drug abuse, alcohol abuse
• Does not conform to rules or norms
• Always in trouble at work or school or home
• Unconscionable behavior, no guilt
• Cannot fulfill work or financial obligations
• Stealing, breaking the law
• Reckless behavior, unaware of consequences
• Aggression, violence, often gets into fights
• Unable to sustain long-term relationships, unconcerned about the feelings of others
• Deceitful, manipulative, shows no remorse
• Blames others for problems patient creates
• Sense of entitlement, "it’s rightfully mine", "I deserve this" even when taking from others

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Patients with antisocial personality disorder, are typically diagnosed with Conduct Disorder during childhood. Since those with APD usually have poor insight into their own behavior, they will often reject the diagnosis. In the early 1980s a diagnostic tool was developed, in an attempt to distinguish between the various forms of this personality disorder (antisocial personality disorder, sociopathic disorder, psychopathic disorder). The Hare Psychopathy Checklist is a 20-item scale using interview, case history and specific diagnostic criteria. In 1994, The MacArthur Foundation used a 12-item version. In 1995, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Health Disorders introduced a 10-item version of this diagnostic tool. Most psychopaths meet the criteria for APD, but most patients with APD are not psychopaths. Because of this diagnostic gap, it is sometimes difficult for doctors to predict treatment response and validity. To diagnose APD, doctors typically require that the patient be at least 18 years of age and exhibit at least 3 of the following diagnostic criteria:

• Patient has been diagnosed with a Conduct Disorder
• Patient is impulsive, fails to plan ahead and does not look at the consequences of his behavior
• Patient is consistently irritable and aggressive
• Irresponsible, cannot keep a job or relationship, fails to meet financial obligations
• Failure to conform to social norms and respect the law
• Deceitful behavior, lying, using fake names, running ‘cons’ to cheat people out of belonging or money
• Fighting and assault are common
• Indifferent to the feelings of others, shows no remorse or guilt after hurting or mistreating someone

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Patients who exhibit long-term symptoms and are over 40 years of age are less likely to respond to therapy and treatment. Treatment(s) can include:

• Psychotherapy
• Family and Marriage Counseling
• Incarceration in Hospital or Prison (in severe cases)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Self-Help and Group Therapy Groups
• Medication as appropriate, lithium, dilantin, carbamazepine, valproate, propranolol, buspirone, trazodone.

Index of Articles

If you are in a crisis please call: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Search Bipolar Central

This Week's Bipolar News

Preexisting Bipolar Disorder Worsens Parkinson's Problems, Outcomes
parkinsonsnewstoday
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by cyclic episodes of emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Although the mechanisms ...

Air Pollution Linked to Severe Mental Illness - EcoWatch
ecowatch
Crucially, the findings indicate that growing up in polluted places increases the risk of mental disorders. Because many cities and developing nations are ..

Auburn man accused of leaving voicemail threatening Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan
seattletimes
He has been diagnosed with illnesses including schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder and has been arrested more than 70 times, resulting in ...

Click here for all Bipolar News.

Featured Article:

The Warning Signs Of An Impending Bipolar Disorder Manic Episode

Bipolar disorder - as the name implies - involves two distinct set of symptoms. One set throws the individual down into the depths of a massive depression. The other places the individual who suffers with bipolar disorder at the top of a peak manic episode.

Most everyone can eventually recognize the warning signs of an impending depressive episode related to bipolar disorder. More likely than not, individuals with bipolar disorder try very hard to avoid it.

However, for many individuals with bipolar disorder, it's more difficult to recognize the signs of an impending manic episode. After all, a manic episode of bipolar disorder can be mistaken in some cases - especially in the very early formation -- for the lifting of the corresponding mood swing of the depression.

Click here to read the entire article

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Copyright 2004- 2021 , BipolarCentral.com