What Is a Antisocial Personality Disorder?

By brett

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Personality disorders are a unique kind of mental health diagnosis used to categorize certain patterns of thought and behavior that deviates from societal norms. Often, to be considered a personality disorder, these patterns must be deeply ingrained and unhealthy in the ways they influence the individual to think about themselves and relate to others.

There are 10 recognized types of personality disorders, including antisocial personality disorder. While all types of personality disorders can wreak havoc in the lives of the individual living with the condition and their loved ones, antisocial personality disorder is especially troubling.

1. What is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Someone with antisocial personality disorder may be referred to as a sociopath, although this term is often avoided in the field of mental health due to the stigma that comes with it. People with this condition are often perceived as manipulative, hurtful, impulsive, and selfish. Their behaviors often deviate greatly from normal behavior.

One of the main characteristics of antisocial personality disorder is a complete disregard for laws and regulations. People with this condition also struggle to empathize with others, even if their mannerisms may make them appear charming on the outside. Often, people with this condition use relationships to take advantage of others.