Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder And Risk-Taking

Societal awareness of mental health conditions—including personality disorders—has increased in recent years. However, there still exist many misconceptions. One commonly misunderstood illness in this category is antisocial personality disorder, also known as ASPD. For example, it’s common to see joking remarks on social media referring to “being antisocial,” typically in reference to having introverted traits or an aversion to large social gatherings. As a result, the true meaning of antisocial personality disorder has become misunderstood by much of the general public.

Here, we’ll define the serious condition of antisocial personality disorder and its symptoms, and we’ll also discuss the predisposition towards risk-taking behaviors often seen in those with ASPD. Clearing up the misconceptions and misinformation surrounding antisocial personality disorder can help alleviate stigma around the condition and empower those with ASPD to seek professional support. 

Looking for mental health support?

Connect with a licensed professional

What is antisocial personality disorder?

When individuals colloquially refer to themselves as “being antisocial,” they are often confusing antisocial personality disorder with social anxiety, shyness, a depletion of social battery, or simply not wanting to go to a particular event. While it’s generally not done with malicious intent, this misuse of language can make it more difficult for those with diagnosable antisocial personality disorder to get the help they may need.

In reality, antisocial personality disorder is a serious mental health condition that typically involves a disregard for morality and an indifference to or lack of empathy for the feelings of others. Individuals with ASPD often engage in manipulative behaviors and even aggression toward others and tend to display risky and reckless behaviors as well.  

Some common symptoms of antisocial personality disorder, which exist on a spectrum of severity, can include:

• Disregard for social morality
• Deceitful behavior
• Lack of respect for the feelings and autonomy of others
• Risky behavior, such as lawbreaking or drug and alcohol misuse
• Lack of remorse
• Irresponsible behavior; an inability to fulfill societal obligations

ASPD and risk-taking

Due to the lack of regard for societal expectations and responsibilities often seen in individuals with ASPD, there is a high likelihood for those with this condition to engage in risk-taking behaviors. This symptom can manifest in a multitude of ways, such as theft, vandalism, polysubstance substance misuse, and sometimes even harming others. 

Studies also indicate that individuals with ASPD may be more likely to engage in abusive behaviors toward others, such as spouses or children. Since childhood abuse can be a risk factor for developing ASPD, this behavior can perpetuate a cycle of violence and mental illness in families. It’s one more reason why it can be crucial for antisocial personality disorder to be properly understood as the serious mental health condition that it is: so those experiencing symptoms can know to seek treatment to minimize harm to themselves and those around them. 

Treatment for ASPD symptoms 

There’s currently no cure for this lifelong condition. While ASPD is also considered one of the most difficult personality disorders to treat, the symptoms and behaviors can often be managed with the right support. For example, mentalization-based therapy—a type of talk therapy that involves helping clients “make sense of themselves and others in terms of subjective states and mental processes”—seems to show promise for individuals with ASPD symptoms. 

In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms like aggression and impulsive behaviors. Therapy for family members and others who are affected by the individual’s behavior may also be helpful.

While it may not be appropriate in every case, online therapy can sometimes be a more convenient alternative to in-person support. It allows you to get matched with a licensed therapist and meet with them from home or anywhere you have an internet connection. Research suggests that online therapy can be an effective method of treatment for many common mental health conditions.