Antisocial personality disorder: What is it and how is it treated?

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson
Updated March 19, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

The term “anti-social” is often used in social situations to describe someone who might not enjoy spending time with others or prefers to be alone sometimes. It could be easy to confuse this term with antisocial personality disorder (ASD). However, this condition is a mental illness unrelated to introversion or “shyness.” It is a severe personality disorder in the DSM-5 that can have lasting and challenging symptoms for those impacted. If you believe you or someone you love might be living with this condition, looking at its symptoms in detail can be helpful in understanding its common impacts.

iStock
Mental illness can be serious

What is antisocial personality disorder?

Antisocial personality disorder is a personality disorder in the DSM-5. It can include symptoms like indifference to moral codes and disregard for others. Furthermore, persons who experience this personality disorder may influence others for their own gain. ASPD was once called “sociopathy” but has since been changed due to the word’s negative connotations and stigma. 

Someone living with this disorder might struggle with the following: 

  • Difficulty regarding social and moral beliefs 
  • Difficulty feeling empathy
  • Difficulty respecting the rights of others 
  • A lack of guilt and remorse for behavior
  • Manipulation and antagonization of others for personal gain 
  • Rudeness, cruelty, or indifference toward others 

Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder

Various symptoms may be associated with ASPD. These symptoms might appear in childhood or adolescence as a conduct disorder and continue into adulthood. One or a few symptoms may not be enough for a diagnosis. However, reach out for support if you think you might be living with a mental health challenge. Below are a few symptoms you might be experiencing: 

  • Consistent outright lying or deceit to manipulate and exploit others
  • Difficulty telling “right” from “wrong” 
  • Difficulty learning from past mistakes
  • Difficulty considering adverse consequences of behavior 
  • Irresponsibility 
  • Difficulty fulfilling obligations 
  • Cruel, disrespectful, rude, or indifferent behavior 
  • Using charm or wit for personal gain 
  • Arrogance 
  • Dangerous actions, such as driving without a seatbelt 
  • A history of unhealthy or abusive relationships 
  • Intimidation or dishonesty toward others 
  • Impulsiveness and rash decision making
  • No empathy or remorse for actions that may harm others
  • Aggression toward animals
  • Repeated instances of theft
  • Physical violence 
  • Destruction of property
  • Continued violation of rules 
  • Difficulty holding a job 

If you are facing or witnessing abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. You can also use the online chat

Getty

Statistics on antisocial personality disorder 

Though you might hear about ASPD in the media, the condition may be rarer than portrayed. Because of the stringent qualifications for the condition, not everyone who commits a crime has ASPD, and not everyone with ASPD commits crimes. These individuals can live healthy lives and live among others, often peacefully. Below are a few statistics about ASPD: 

  • Approximately 0.6% to 3.6% of adults in the United States have antisocial personality disorder
  • Approximately 3% of men and 1% of women have ASPD 
  • Many people with ASPD exhibit some symptomatic behaviors before the age of 15
  • Approximately one-third of incarcerated men have symptoms of ASPD 
  • Approximately 21% of incarcerated women have an ASPD diagnosis  
  • A significant number of CEOs and high-level officials showcase traits that may be associated with ASPD 
  • Antisocial personality disorder cannot be diagnosed in children but may begin as conduct disorder (CD) 

Common misconceptions about antisocial personality disorder

There are many misconceptions about those living with ASPD. To reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, educating yourself on these myths and why they are incorrect can be beneficial.

Myth: Antisocial personality disorder cannot be treated 

ASPD cannot be cured. However, it can be treated, and those diagnosed can live healthy, fulfilling lives. It can be harmful to label people with ASPD as “sociopaths” that will never participate healthily in society. Many people with personality disorders have healthy relationships, careers, and goals. 

Myth: You’re born a “sociopath” 

Personality disorders can be caused by genetics and environmental factors. However, using the word “sociopath” to describe an individual often leads to stigmas. People with ASPD may be born with the disposition to have traits related to this condition. Still, how they are raised, their exposure to healthy messages, and their family environment, may also play meaningful roles in developing the condition.

Myth: All people with ASPD are violent and dangerous 

Many people with ASPD and other personality disorders seek treatment and manage their behavioral urges. Not everyone with this condition may act violently. Although some famous criminals may have been diagnosed with ASPD, some criminals have not been diagnosed with any mental illness. Not all people who partake in dangerous behavior have a mental illness, so looking at mental health through this lens may be stigmatizing. In addition, research has shown that women diagnosed with this disorder are less likely than their male counterparts to engage in violence.

Myth: All incarcerated individuals have ASPD 

Although many people in prisons have personality disorders like ASPD, they do not make up the entirety of the prison population. Many people in prison do not have a mental illness, and others have a different mental illness not associated with ASPD. Mental health and crime do not necessarily correlate in every case. 

How to cope if you live with ASPD 

If you believe you may be living with ASPD, speak to your primary care physician for a referral to a psychologist. At times, drastic changes in behavior may be a cause for concern for a medical condition, so your doctor might order tests before referral. Some symptoms associated with ASPD can also be a sign of a co-occurring condition or another mental illness. A psychological evaluation with a therapist might be beneficial to ensure you receive the correct services. 

Living with ASPD may make it difficult for some individuals to reach out for support or recognize that their symptoms are unhealthy for them and others. To understand your behaviors further, consider going into therapy with an open mind. Ask your therapist whether your behaviors are concerning and how you might be able to take steps to remedy them. Note that therapy often requires a willingness to try and perform introspection. If you struggle to do so, let your therapist know so they can work with you to develop these skills. 

Getty/VadymPastukh
Mental illness can be serious

Counseling options 

Whether you have been diagnosed or suspect you might be living with ASPD, a few options are available to you for treatment. One way to reach out for assistance is online therapy, which might benefit someone who prefers to stay home when receiving care. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can take control over your preferences for treatment, choosing between phone, video, or live chat sessions. In addition, you can send messages to your therapist 24/7 if you have questions or need to chat. 

A study from 2022 found that online psychotherapy could be more available in treating personality disorders. The results of the study found that client satisfaction was moderate to high and resulted in a reduction of symptom severity similar to that of face-to-face studies. These results show promise in the future treatment of dissociative personality disorder like ASPD. 

Takeaway

There are many stigmas about ASPD in the media and society. However, understanding this condition and its associated symptoms can allow you to reduce these stigmas and encourage yourself or others to reach out for support. If you think you might be living with ASPD or another mental health concern, consider contacting a therapist for guidance and compassionate support.
Work through personality disorder symptoms
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started