Antisocial Personality

Up to 3% of the population struggles with antisocial personality disorder, a condition characterized by having no regard for right and wrong and a lack of remorse. At Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC, a telehealth psychology practice based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, licensed clinical social worker Paula Williams, LCSW, offers therapy that corrects problematic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in people with antisocial personality disorder. Schedule a virtual appointment by phone or request one online today.  

What is antisocial personality disorder?

Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition in which an individual ignores the feelings and rights of other people. They may purposely make others upset or angry, manipulate them, or be cruel. 

People with antisocial personality disorder are more likely to violate the law and harm others. Treatment can help them alter troublesome and hurtful behavior patterns.

What are the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder?

The symptoms of antisocial personality disorder may include:

• Harming other people on purpose
• Acting harshly with cruel intentions
• Lack of empathy, remorse, guilt, shame, or regret
• Breaking rules or the law
• Frequent anger
• Being violent
• Impulsive or reckless behavior
• Drug and/or alcohol misuse
• Ignoring right and wrong
• Not being respectful of other people
• Manipulating others
• Having a sense of superiority over others
• Criminal behavior
• Being irresponsible
• Aggression 
• Destroying property 
• Stealing
• Lying

People with antisocial personality disorder often experience difficulty at work, in school, and in relationships with other people. 

What are the risk factors for antisocial personality disorder?

The cause isn’t clear, but antisocial personality disorder risk factors may include:

• Genetics
• Brain changes
• Family history of antisocial personality disorder 
• History of childhood conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Abuse, neglect, or other forms of childhood trauma
• Substance use disorder (SUD)
• History of mental health disorders in your family
• Violent or unstable family life

Men are more likely than women to experience antisocial personality disorder. Early intervention in children showing signs of behavioral issues may reduce their risk of developing antisocial personality disorder.

How is antisocial personality disorder diagnosed?

Paula meets with you virtually and uses DSM-5 criteria to determine if you have antisocial personality disorder or a similar mental health condition. 

She discusses your emotions, moods, thoughts, past trauma, and behaviors to learn which type of therapy you might be a candidate for. She also discusses your medications, lifestyle habits, and long-term goals.

How is antisocial personality disorder treated?

Your antisocial personality disorder treatment plan may consist of:

• Medication management
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Other forms of psychotherapy
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Couples counseling 
• Pre-adolescent and adolescent therapy
• Anger management
• Treatment for substance misuse
• Group therapy 

Through regular therapy sessions, Paula helps you make changes that alter your thoughts and behaviors, allowing you to build stronger interpersonal relationships and flourish at your job or in school. She follows up with you weekly or as needed to optimize mental health outcomes.

Schedule a telehealth evaluation at Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC by phone or request one online today to get screened or treated for antisocial personality disorder.