Osipchuk Julia

Dragomanov National Pedagogical University

The Institute of Corrective Pedagogy and Psychology, student

Pet’ko Lyudmila, Scientific supervisor,

Ph.D., Associate Professor,

Dragomanov National Pedagogical University (Ukraine, Kyiv)

ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

Antisocial personality disorder is a type of chronic mental condition in which a person's ways of thinking, perceiving situations and relating to others are dysfunctional – and destructive. People with antisocial personality disorder typically have no regard for right and wrong and often disregard the rights, wishes and feelings of others. Those with antisocial personality disorder tend to antagonize, manipulate or treat others either harshly or with callous indifference. They may often violate the law, landing in frequent trouble, yet they show no guilt or remorse. They may lie, behave violently or impulsively, and have problems with drug and alcohol use. These characteristics typically make people with antisocial personality disorder unable to fulfill responsibilities related to family, work or school [2; 7].

Researchers today don’t know what causes antisocial personality disorder. There are many theories, however, about the possible causes of antisocial personality disorder. Most professionals subscribe to a biopsychosocial model of causation – that is, the causes of are likely due to biological and genetic factors, social factors (such as how a person interacts in their early development with their family and friends and other children), and psychological factors (the individual’s personality and temperament, shaped by their environment and learned coping skills to deal with stress) [1; 6].

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of a disregard for other people’s rights, often crossing the line and violating those rights. It usually begins in childhood or as a teen and continues into their adult lives. Antisocial personality disorder is often referred to as psychopathy or sociopathy in popular culture [4].

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder frequently lack empathy and tend to be callous, cynical, and contemptuous of the feelings, rights, and sufferings of others. They may have an inflated and arrogant self-appraisal (e.g., feel that ordinary work is beneath them or lack a realistic concern about their current problems or their future) and may be excessively opinionated, self-assured, or cocky. They may display a glib, superficial charm and can be quite voluble and verbally facile (e.g., using technical terms or jargon that might impress someone who is unfamiliar with the topic) [1].

Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed when a person’s pattern of antisocial behavior has occurred since age 15 (although only adults 18 years or older can be diagnosed with this disorder) and consists of the majority of these symptoms: 1) Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest, 2) Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure, 3) Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead, 4) Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults, 5) Reckless disregard for safety of self or others, 6) Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations, 7) Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another; 8) Child abuse or neglect; 9) Poor or abusive relationships; 10) Irresponsible work behavior [1; 2].

Antisocial personality disorder symptoms may begin in childhood and are fully evident for most people during their 20s and 30s. In children, cruelty to animals, bullying behavior, impulsivity or explosions of anger, social isolation, and poor school performance may be, in some cases, early signs of the disorder [2].

As with all personality disorders, the person must be at least 18 years old before they can be diagnosed with it. There should also be evidence of Conduct Disorder in the individual as a child. Antisocial personality disorder is more prevalent in males (3 percent) versus females (1 percent) in the general population [1].

Personality forms during childhood, shaped through an interaction of these factors: 1) Genetics. These inherited tendencies are aspects of a person's personality passed on by parents, such as shyness or having a positive outlook. This is sometimes called temperament; 2) Environment. This means the surroundings a person grows up in, events that occurred, and relationships with family members and others. It includes such life situations as the type of parenting a person experienced, whether loving or abusive.

Personality disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of these genetic and environmental influences. Some people may have genes that make them vulnerable to developing antisocial personality disorder – and life situations may trigger its development [2; 3].

Although the precise cause of antisocial personality disorder isn't known, certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering it, including: 1) Diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder, 2) Family history of antisocial personality disorder or other personality disorders or mental illness, 3) Being subjected to verbal, physical or sexual abuse during childhood,4) Unstable or chaotic family life during childhood, 5) Loss of parents through traumatic divorce during childhood, 6) History of substance abuse in parents or other family members [5].

Bibliography

1. Antisocial Personality Disorder Symptoms [Web site]. – Access mode: http://psychcentral.com/disorders/antisocial-personality-disorder-symptoms/

2. Antisocial Personality Disorder [Web site]. – Access mode: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antisocial-personality disorder/basics/definition/con-20027920

3. ASPD (Clip) [Web site]. – Access mode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPuxDYOWvj0

4. Green Ellie. Personality Disorder Crime Force (Video) [Web site]. – Access mode: http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/personality-disorders.html#transcript

5. Risk Factors [Web site]. – Access mode: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/basics/risk-factors/con-20027920

6. Saraiya Ankur. What Is Antisocial Personality Disorder? (Video) [Web site]. – Access mode: http://www.howcast.com/videos/498572-Antisocial-Personality-Disorder-Mood-Disorders

7. What is Antisocial Personality Disorder? (Mental Health Guru) (Video) [Web site]. – Access mode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfHo-HJObU8