This is a type of chronic mental health condition characterized by a continuing pattern of violating, abusing, and manipulating other people’s rights. A person with this disorder has very low regard for the rights and feelings of other people, and can even hurt them without experiencing any feelings of guilt or regret. If you need assignment help on the symptoms and causes of antisocial personality disorder, visit some of the authoritative sites that focus on mental health.

About Personality Disorders

A personality disorder, which is a type of mental health condition, affects how people feel, perceive, think, and connect/communicate with others. One of the most challenging types of personality disorders is an antisocial personality disorder, which often leads people to act in a criminal, irresponsible, selfish, impulsive, deceitful, controlling, and/or narcissistic manner.

Mental health experts use a diagnostic system to identify and differentiate between different forms of personality disorders. Some of the most common types of personality disorders include:

1. Antisocial personality disorder
2. Paranoid personality disorder
3. Dependent personality disorder
4. Narcissistic personality disorder
5. Schizoid personality disorder
6. Borderline personality disorder
7. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Antisocial Personality Disorder, APD

Like most other forms of personality disorders, this specific mental condition ranges in severity, which means that it is on a scale or spectrum. One individual with an antisocial personality disorder may display sporadic bad behavior, for instance, while another one with a more severe form of the disorder, often referred to as a psychopath, will break the law, hurt people, and commit serious offenses on a regular basis.

People with an antisocial personality disorder sometimes referred to as sociopaths, often use manipulation or deception to get money, power, sex, or anything else they want. Sometimes, people with this disorder may use an alias and trick others, exhibit aggressive behavior, or even steal to achieve their goals.

When authorities or other people catch them or discover their actions, they still fail to show any guilt or regret. Essentially, due to their lack of empathy, they are unable to consider or value other people’s feelings, at least without professional help. Even worse, they tend to act on impulse, which can lead to serious consequences, such as violence, arrests, and even prison.

Popular Myth about Sociopaths

Most people tend to think that sociopaths are famous, charismatic, and successful individuals who happen to hold a position of influence and/or power. Think of the current crop of music, movie, political, reality, and social media stars. Obviously, you will find many high-functioning sociopaths in this bizarre era; however, most people with this mental condition do not reach their desired level of success and/or power.

The Symptoms and Causes of Antisocial Personality Disorder

Like most people, you probably know or think you know someone suffering from this mental condition. If so, you might be wondering what the symptoms and causes of antisocial personality disorder are. There is a ton of online information about personality disorders, including advice on how to deal with people exhibiting symptoms of this disorder.

Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder

Due to their actions and personalities, people with an antisocial personality disorder often fail when it comes to fulfilling roles and responsibilities related to and critical to their personal, social, and/or professional lives. To fall into the category of being a sociopath, according to Psycom, a person must display three or more of the following signs and symptoms:

1. Lack of regard for the safety of others and him/herself
2. Breaking the law on a regular basis
3. Lack of remorse when and after mistreating other people
4. Conning and lying to others for pleasure or profit
5. Lack of responsibility in financial matters and at work
6. Repeated verbal and/or physical assaults and fights
7. Constant impulsiveness
8. Being aggressive, angry, and/or Vain
9. Substance abuse
10. Extreme jealousy
11. Disregard for what is wrong or right
12. Being too cynical, callous, or disrespectful
13. Inability to plan ahead
14. Lack of empathy
15. Significant violence, aggression, agitation, or irritability
16. Arrogance, being too opinionated, and an excessive sense of superiority
17. Persistent deceit or lying with the aim of exploiting others
18. Toxic relationship
19. Inability to consider and appreciate negative consequences
20. Unnecessary and dangerous risk-taking

Causes of Antisocial Personality Disorder

It is important to understand what are the symptoms and causes of antisocial personality disorder. According to many mental health professionals, genetics may play a role when it comes to developing this disorder. Other factors that may have a contributing factor include:

• Childhood neglect and abuse
• Chaotic, unstable, and violent upbringing
• Childhood conduct disorder

While some of the characteristics of high-functioning APDs may include charm, manipulation, and persuasiveness, most sociopaths tend to suffer from an inability to act responsibly. They fail to take advantage of the business, career, or even employment opportunities, in addition to failing to pay bills and meet other obligations on time. Actually, due to their criminal activities, drug/alcohol abuse, and/or impulsive behavior, most of them tend to have a shorter life expectancy.