A common misconception is that antisocial personality disorder refers to people who have poor social skills. The opposite is often the case. Instead, antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a lack of conscience. People with this disorder could be prone to criminal behavior, believing that their victims are weak and deserving of being taken advantage of. Anti-social individuals have a tendency to be untruthful and are often careless with money. They also tend to take action without thinking about the consequences. They are often aggressive and are much more concerned with their own needs than the needs of others. Some symptoms include:
- Disregard for the feelings of others
- Impulsive and irresponsible decision-making
- Lack of remorse for harm done to others
- Lying, stealing and other criminal behaviors
- Disregard for the safety of self and others
If you are living with someone who has an anti-social personality disorder or if you know someone who suffers from it, below are some techniques you can use to help cope with the situation.
- Read as much information as possible regarding the disorder. This Reading will help you to identify the symptoms associated with their disorder.
- Avoid compromising your own needs. It is important that you care for yourself mentally and physically.
- Find a good therapist specializing in treating those who are living with someone with a personality disorder.
- Do not take the situation personally. Individuals with an anti-social personality disorder will dominate conversations. It is crucial that you learn to speak up when interrupted by saying that you were not finished speaking.
- Avoid trying to “fix” the person. If you choose to continue living with them, you will need to accept them the way they are and make yourself a stronger, more independent person.
- Set boundaries and stick to them. Make it clear what behavior you will and will not tolerate. Making your life miserable to accommodate the other person’s disorder will lead to stress and depression.
