How To Cope With A Loved One S Antisocial Personality
January 2, 2023 · 2 min · 383 words · Lawrence Lawson
Recognize the Symptoms
A lack of remorse can be characterized by those who show indifference after having hurt someone physically, mentally or emotionally.
Many of the symptoms can become dangerous not only for the person afflicted with the personality disorder, but also for those close to the individual. When an individual begins showing reckless disregard for their own safety and for the safety of those around them, it can become very worrisome and dangerous, especially when coupled with impulsivity. Another symptom, constant irresponsibility, may seem like another one of those traits that can easily be dismissed as a quality shared by many people, especially college-aged individuals, but friends and family may begin to feel the weight of the symptoms themselves. When loved ones have to constantly pick up the slack for their friend or family member by honoring their financial obligations or making excuses to their employers for them as to why they fail to sustain consistent work behavior, it’s time to take notice and take action.
Many of those in treatment for antisocial personality disorder are court referrals. When a court refers a person thought to have the disorder, they are sent to a facility to be assessed through a series of exams and tests. If the person is diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, they are mandated to therapy.
The best way to get a handle on an antisocial personality is psychotherapy. One would assume that medication is the first recommendation, but surprisingly, “there is no research that supports the use of medications for direct treatment of antisocial personality disorder,” psychcentral.com reports. The most beneficial type of treatment for a person diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder will occurs in an outpatient setting where sessions can be devoted to sharing and discussing the characteristics of their disorder. People who suffer from antisocial personality disorder lack the ability to understand the consequences of their actions. They find it difficult to see the association between feelings and behavior.
Learn to Accept
The love and support of family and friends is the best medicine for those suffering from antisocial personality disorder. If ever you feel alone, overwhelmed or have feelings of guilt about your friend or family member suffering from the disorder, there are many support groups that can be found online or in your community.