Antisocial Personality Disorder
Definition:
According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual on Mental Disorders, Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a, "pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood" (NIMH). Individuals with antisocial personality disorder may, "disregard social norms and laws, repeatedly lie, place others at risk for their own benefit, and demonstrate a profound lack of remorse" (NIMH). ASPD is sometimes referred to as sociopathic personality disorder.
The cause of ASPD is unknown but: genes have a possibility of making an individual more vulnerable to ASPD, individuals with an antisocial or alcoholic parent are at a higher risk of developing ASPD, ASPD is common among individuals in prison, and child abuse may contribute to developing ASPD.
Instructional Strategies:
Since ASPD is uncommon, the most important instructional strategy would be to instill effective and appropriate discipline within the classroom. It is also pertinent to conduct lessons on behavior modification, and effective social/problem-solving skills, so students are better equipped to regulate their emotions.
If there is a child diagnosed with ASPD in your classroom, he/she will need one on one attention and support. It would be ideal to work with the child's parents in order to understand what types of services the child is, or is not, receiving. This child would need individual therapy to help develop emotional regulation skills, impulse control, and empathy. Group therapy is also recommended, which helps improve social skills.
As teachers, our jobs are to boost students' self esteem, give them time and attention, and make sure, to the best of our ability, that they are receiving the help they need. This is important when a student(s) in the classroom is diagnosed with ASPD.
Useful Websites:
Research:
Below is an interesting study examining whether or not childhood abuse/neglect leads to antisocial personality disorder.
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Luntz, B. K., & Cathy, S. W. (1994). Antisocial personality disorder in abused and neglected children grown up. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 151(5), 670-4.
Below is a great source that discusses the correlation between ASPD and ADHD, along with the higher risk of alcohol use in those who have ASPD.
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Reesman, M. (2007). ADHD and associated risk factors for antisocial personality disorder and alcohol use in late adolescence (Order No. 3242719). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
Other:
There is not a fixed treatment for antisocial personality disorder, but there are a variety of ways to control it. A few new breakthroughs in controlling ASPD are psychotherapy, medications, mental hospital programs, and schema therapy.
Sources:
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“Antisocial Personality Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Berger, Fred K., MD. "Antisocial Personality Disorder." MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. N.p., 29 July 2016. Web. 04 Dec. 2017.
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Gilbert, Katie. "The Sociopathic Child: Myths, Parenting Tips, What to Do." Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 03 Feb. 2014. Web. 04 Dec. 2017.