Early Signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder in Teenagers and Young Adults

Antisocial Personality Disorder is a mental condition which can be observed by the age of 15 and continues into adulthood. In this disorder, a person shows an inability to think about what is right or wrong. His disorder is officially diagnosed only in adults, but the symptoms often begin during the teenage years. These behaviors begin early, which is why it's important to recognise the antisocial behaviors in teens.

The following are some early signs of antisocial behaviors in teenagers:

1. Frequent lying or deceiving others:

Teens with antisocial traits may lie repeatedly without guilt. They may use lies to avoid punishment or to achieve something.

2. Disregard for rules or laws:

Breaking school rules, skipping classes, impulsive behaviors, or getting into trouble with the law can be signs of antisocial behavior in teenagers.

3. Lack of empathy:

These teens may not feel guilty after hurting someone or doing something wrong. They often remain neutral when others are sad or in pain.

4. Aggressive or violent behavior:

Fighting, bullying, or harming animals can be major warning signs.

5. Substance abuse:

Using drugs or alcohol at a young age is common among teens showing antisocial personality disorder symptoms.

To be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder as per the DSM-5 criteria, a person must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have shown signs of conduct disorder before age 15 (like bullying, lying, stealing, or hurting animals)
• Do not have these behaviors only during schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

They must show at least three of the following behaviors:

1. Breaks the law repeatedly (gets arrested or does illegal things)
2. Lies or cheats often (uses fake names, scams others for fun or gain)
3. Acts without thinking ahead (impulsive or doesn’t plan)
4. Easily angered or aggressive (gets into fights or attacks others)
5. Does dangerous things without caring about safety (drives recklessly, takes risky actions)
6. Irresponsible (can’t hold a job or pay bills regularly)
7. Feels no guilt or remorse (doesn’t care if they hurt or take from others)

The intensity of symptoms of antisocial personality disorder is constantly observable, extreme in nature, and can be seen as long-term behavior patterns. As the child becomes older, these symptoms also worsen with age. It may lead to legal trouble, poor relationships, or substance abuse.

Symptoms of antisocial personality disorders in Young Adults are as follows:

Sometimes antisocial traits in young adults go unnoticed until they leave home. Some signs include:

• Trouble holding jobs
• Abusive or toxic relationships
• Repeated arrests or legal problems
• Lack of remorse or guilt

These signs reflect ongoing antisocial behavior in teenagers that may not have been addressed early on. That’s why early intervention for personality disorders is so important.

The causes of the development of antisocial personality disorder in teens are as follows:

Biological Factors:

a) Genetics: Teens with a family history of antisocial behavior or mental disorders are more likely to develop similar issues.

b) Brain differences: Some teens may have problems in brain areas that control emotion, decision-making, and impulse control.

c) Chemical imbalances: Low levels of certain brain chemicals (like serotonin) are linked to impulsive or aggressive behavior.

Family and home environment:

1. Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in childhood increases the risk.
2. Inconsistent discipline, absence of emotional support, or parents who model aggressive behavior can contribute.
3. Living in unstable or violent homes increases risk.

Social and peer influences:

Peer pressure, bullying, and the influence of a criminal environment can lead teens to develop antisocial behavior.

Psychological and environmental factors:

a) Teens with this condition often show early signs like lying, stealing, or hurting others. Conduct Disorder is a strong early warning sign for ASPD.

b) Children suffering from ADHD and learning disabilities often develop symptoms of antisocial personality disorder.

Intervention of antisocial personality disorder in teenagers:

Many parents don’t understand where to turn when they notice unusual behavior in their children. It is important to seek support from a counsellors and a family therapist. A psychiatrist near you can help evaluate your teen’s behavior and guide the treatment process.

The major cities have government and private mental health clinics, which are important factors in mental health care in India. Many schools also have counselors. If you notice antisocial personality disorder in teens, do not delay seeking help.

There is still a lot of stigma around mental health care in India. People may feel ashamed to ask for help, especially for teenage behavioral disorders. Mental health is equally important to physical health. Just like you would take your child to the doctor for a fever, you should visit a mental health expert if their behavior changes drastically.

Treatment for teens showing antisocial personality disorder symptoms may include:

A. Talk therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT):

Cognitive behavior therapy helps to understand the person’s beliefs about themselves and how their behavior can harm society. CBT therapy helps to motivate change in behavior.

B. Family therapy:

Family therapy helps to resolve relationship issues. Counsellors / therapists can support the entire family in understanding the teen’s behavior and explain the strategies to handle it.

C. Medication:

Doctors may prescribe medicines to treat anger, depression, or anxiety.

D. School-based support:

Counsellors and teachers can monitor and support positive behavior changes. With early intervention for antisocial personality disorders, many teens can learn healthier ways to cope and grow into responsible adults.

E. Support of Parents and caregivers:

Support from parents and caregivers plays a big role in spotting problems. Parents can identify the early signs of antisocial personality disorder in teenagers with the help of the following efforts:

Keep an open conversation: Allowing teens to talk about their feelings without fear.

Observation of mood changes: Sudden mood swings, violent behavior, or secrecy could be red flags.

Set firm but fair boundaries: Discipline should be consistent, not harsh.

Seek professional advice: Don’t wait until things get worse. If you suspect antisocial personality disorder in teens, get support from a therapist on time.