Myths About Antisocial Personality Disorder

A study done by Donald W. Black, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City.

There are many myths about ASP. These are some of the most common misconceptions:

1. Myth: Antisocial personality disorder is untreatable.

Fact: More research is needed to be conducted, as some medications have been shown to reduce aggressive tendencies which may be helpful for antisocial persons in whom aggression is an important symptom. For instance, atypical antipsychotics, which target mood and irritability, could help these individuals.

2. Myth: Studying antisocial personality disorder coddles criminals and gives them an excuse.

Fact: ASP diagnosis is not a license for patients to behave as they like, but instead is a lens through which to view their misbehaviour, which is unusual by any standard.

3. Myth: You can’t prevent antisocial personality disorder.

Fact: About 40 percent of boys and 25 percent of girls with conduct disorder – the childhood precursor to ASP – are at a high risk for developing ASP as adults. If you identify these kids early and work with their families to help them recognize and correct their child’s misbehaviour, and steer them away from bad peers, it’s possible to stave off this trajectory