What we treat
A condition characterised by a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and engaging in behaviours that can violate societal norms and legal boundaries.
If you think you, or someone you know, may have antisocial personality disorder (ASD), here’s some things to look out for. The signs often start in adolescence or early adulthood, and display a pattern of persistent disregard for the rights of people around them.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent violation or exploitation of others' rights - examples include being deceitful, stealing, or manipulation without remorse.
Impulsively acting on urges without considering consequences.
Anger which is uncontrollable, often becoming aggressive - including regularly getting into physical fights or assaulting others, and a consistent pattern of irritability and aggression.
Lack of empathy, which is characterised by an inability to understand or appreciate the feelings of others, and not being remorseful around other’s distress.
Chronic lying, or being deceitful, with the intent to exploit others.
Irresponsibility - consistently failing to honour obligations or commitments.
Being antisocial is often something we joke about, but for some, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a complex mental health condition that can have a huge impact on relationships, work, and overall lifestyle. In fact, ASPD is particularly challenging as it is characterised by irresponsive and impulsive behaviour that can often lead to committing crimes. However, there is a spectrum that ranges from mild to severe - the most severe may be considered to have psychopathic behaviour.
Like so many other mental health conditions, it is not known why some people develop antisocial personality disorder, but it is thought that both trauma in childhood, as well as genetics may have a part to play.
Children growing up in difficult circumstances, such as abuse, neglect, or unstable home environments, can be more prone to developing antisocial personality disorder. Some common characteristics include:
A troubled and difficult home-life
High levels of conflict in the home
Harsh or inconsistent parenting
Exposure to drug or alcohol addictions
Child services involvement
For those diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, the likelihood of criminal behaviour is high, as is the misuse of drugs and alcohol. Stable relationships are difficult, and holding down jobs and stable employment. There is also an increased risk of serious injury or death as a result of reckless behaviour.
While antisocial personality disorder is a challenging disorder to treat, it is able to be managed with consistent effort over time. Often family and friends can take an influential role in getting treatment as you may be reluctant to seek help.
Someone.health psychologists can help with providing:
Assessment - our psychologists conduct a thorough assessment to understand the impact of ASPD in your life
Therapeutic interventions, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can help with distorted thought patterns and impulsive behaviours.
Anger management techniques can help with strategies to manage anger and aggression in a healthier way.
Social skills training to help with improved interpersonal skills for stronger relationships and better communication.
Emotion regulation can help with techniques to recognise and control emotions more effectively.
Legal and ethical guidance provides support in navigating legal and ethical challenges.
Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore and address the root causes of reactions and behaviours.
If you, or someone you care about, is struggling with the impact of antisocial personality disorder, our compassionate Someone.health psychologists are here to help. Schedule a consultation in less than ten minutes.
Psychologists available online
Tell us what matters to you, compare suitable appointments and keep your care details in your patient profile.
Find an appointmentIt will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.
You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.
Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.
Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and individually selected and monitored by Someone.health's expert clinical team.
Appointments are available immediately
Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist who is available immediately. Our website displays in order of the first available appointment.
Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.
If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.