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Step 1
Understand that the essential feature of antisocial personality disorder is a chronic pattern of behavior where the rights of others are disregarded and seen as irrelevant. The inability to maintain steady employment, lying, theft, assault, truancy and challenging authority are typical behaviors associated with this disorder. The age of onset for Antisocial Personality Disorder is 15 years old.
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Step 2
Contemplate the cause of this disorder. Heredity and environmental factors are thought to contribute to antisocial personality types. People who have a biological parent with antisocial personality disorder have an increased risk of having the disorder than those who do not. Environmental factors are suspected when the person's role model has antisocial tendencies.
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Step 3
Know that adolescents with the disorder display unusually early or aggressive sexual behavior, excessive drinking and illicit drug use. Although a diagnosis isn't possible until the child reaches 18 years of age, their behaviors usually continue into early adulthood. Often, the behaviors diminish after the age of 30.
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Step 4
Realize that people with this disorder are referred to as a psychopath or sociopath. The lifestyle and personality traits these individuals exhibit lead to conflict with society as a consequence of amoral or illegal activity. Often individuals with this personality disorder are incarcerated or suffer from drug abuse or alcoholism.
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Step 5
Understand that people suffering from personality disorders have a pervasive pattern of behavior that disrupts the social, occupational and interpersonal aspects of their lives.
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Step 6
Treat the disorder. Unfortunately, treatment options are limited for individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder. Changing their behavior patterns is extremely limited and highly unsuccessful.
