aspd

By Anna Liebling and Katherine Mateo

Antisocial personality disorder, commonly known as psychopathy or sociopathy, is an Axis Two disorder in which the main symptom is lack of care for other people's rights and feelings. People suffering from this condition generally start showing symptoms in childhood or adolescence, and the disorder continues through adulthood.

inability to conform to the norms of society Decietfulness impulsivity, failure to plan ahead irritability and aggressiveness (physical) reckless disregard for their own safety and that of others irresponsibility- inability to be be consistant in work and

finance lack of remorse- display feelings of indifference or

rationalize after somehow hurting someone (emotionally or physically)

People with ASPD are characterized by arrogance, grandiose sense of self, disregard for people's feelings and safety, and a false air of charm.

In general population:

males- 3%women-1%*intensity of symptoms is generally greater at lower

ages*

Treatments for APSD include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, medication, addiction and family counseling, and incarceration.

Exploratory or insight oriented forms of psychotherapy are not helpful to patients suffering from APS. Therapy should focus on helping the patient understand the nature of the disorder in order to control their behavior.

The major goal of this form of therapy is to help the patient understand how he creates his own problems and how his distorted perceptions prevent him from seeing himself the way others view him. Those with ASPD often lack the motivation to improve and are notoriously poor self-observers –they do not see themselves as others do. Cognitive therapists must present an attitude of acceptance without moralizing.

Many medications have been proven to reduce aggression. These include: lithium carbonate, Phenytoin or Dilantin (an anticonvulsant), carbamazepine, valproate, propranolol, buspirone and trazodone. Lithium carbonate is the best documented medication out of these and has been shown to reduce anger, threatening behavior and combativeness among prisoners. The drug has also been shown to reduce behaviors such as bullying, fighting and temper outbursts in aggressive children.

Phenytoin has been shown to reduce impulsive aggression in prison settings. Carbamazepine, valproate, propranolol, buspirone and trazodone have been used to treat aggression primarily in brain-injured or mentally retarded patients. Antisocial patients with bipolar disorder may most successfully respond to lithium carbonate, carbamazepine or valproate, which can help stabilize moods.Antipsychotic medications may deter aggression, but can catalyze irreversible side effects. Tranquilizers from the benzodiazepine class should not be used to treat people with ASPD because they can be addictive and can lead to loss of behavioral control.

People with ASPD who stop abusing drugs are less probable to engage in antisocial or criminal behaviors and have fewer family conflicts and emotional problems.Bringing family members into the counseling process may help antisocial patients realize the impact of their disorder on their parenting abilities, children’s development, and spousal relationship. Antisocials who were poorly parented may need help learning appropriate parenting skills.

Because of the societal threat antisocial patients pose, incarceration is often used to control the most severe and persistent cases of antisocial personality disorder. Prison will reduce the behaviors’ impact on society. Studies show that many prison inmates suffer from Antisocial Personality Disorder.

In the movie, Angelina Jolie plays a woman who has Antisocial Personality Disorder named Lisa Rose. Her character has all the major symptoms of the disorder, and it is an accurate portrayal of it.

✰ JFK Mental Health CenterRobert P Bass112 N Broad StPhiladelphia, PA 19102

✰ COMHAR Inc Community Mental Health100 S Broad StFL 14Philadelphia, PA 19107

✰ Children’s Services, Inc. 1315 Walnut StSTE 200Philadelphia, PA 19107

Don’t be afraid to get help!