By: Estephani Diaz

Antisocial Personality Disorder is defined as a long term pattern of having no care for others, manipulating people and violating people’s rights. People with Antisocial Personality Disorder have a strong, intense concern for themselves and no one else. Less than 3.5% of the population are diagnosed with this personality disorder. In fact, males are 70% more likely to be diagnosed with APD than females. Although the disorder is rare, it can lead to consequences, death and harm for others.

People with Antisocial Personality Disorder are often referred to as psychopaths or sociopaths. They show symptoms such as:

• Failure to conform to social norms
• Deceitfulness
• Impulsivity
• Irritability and aggressiveness
• Reckless disregard
• Consistent irresponsibility
• Lack of remorse

APD can begin at a young age, however, it cannot be diagnosed in those younger than 18. As one gets older, it has been reported that symptoms decrease with age. Some of the most common symptoms for those with Antisocial Personality Disorder are:

• Substance abuse
• Homicide/suicide
• Prison
• Gang membership
• Low socio/economic status
• Other symptoms include: depression and anxiety

If you or someone you know is struggling with Antisocial Personality Disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.