"I met this man, he was so charming. He blew me off my feet. However, after two months things changed rapidly. He became reckless and irresponsible. He was a persistent liar and I realised that he was not able to stick to anything. He almost ruined my life."
"She came across as a charming lady. But she was always lying. She always had problems with money. She had a tendency to con and defraud people."
Who are these people? These two individuals display the features of an antisocial personality
disorder sometimes referred to as psychopathic. There is a subtle difference between the two. Most psychopaths are antisocial personality disordered but not all persons with antisocial personality disorder are psychopaths.
How do we spot these persons?
It is often difficult to spot these individuals as they come in all colours, sizes and shapes. This condition occurs in both men and women but more commonly in men. They are found in all levels of the society, in all professions and even in the Church. But, they commonly manifest themselves as 'sweet talkers' and charmers. They con, control and defraud persons who are vulnerable.
They often attract persons into intimate or business relationships that go sour and end with pain and losses. Wealthy professionals or strongly religious persons may fall for these people. They are often lacking in conscience and show no scruples or sense of a value system. They default on loan payments and often tender bad cheques.
They tend not to show any emotion or remorse for what they do. They often show a lack of feelings for others' pain and suffering. Many of these individuals may resort to cold-blooded violence and in fact most of the most hardened criminals are psychopaths.
They are often reckless and impulsive. Always running afoul of the law and make impulsive decisions without planning. Many of these individuals are risk takers who are daring and unable to resist temptation. They may have a tendency to engage in reckless driving and drug use. Some of them display promiscuous behaviour and are often involved in multiple relationships. They often display aggressive and irritable behaviour, especially when confronted and may be given to outbursts of
violence.
What are the causes
of this disorder?
The causes are many. It may be due to inherited traits and damage to the brain during pregnancy or childbirth may lead to this condition. Many persons with antisocial personality disorders are from
dysfunctional families characterised by alcohol use, criminality, and disruption in the family due to separation or divorce or an absent parent. Other factors include physical, emotional and sexual abuse as a child.
Tips to deal with
persons with antisocial personality disorder
If you suspect someone you are with as having these features, seek professional help.
These persons may be so charming and engaging and you may really love them although you may be hurting. There may be something about you that is
causing you to be attracted to the individual.
You cannot change these
persons unless they are willing to change themselves and even then it is difficult for these individuals to do so.
If you feel trapped in such situations, plan an exit strategy soon. Things may not change.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior
lecturer, University of the
West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
Features of antisocial
personality disorder are:
Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviours as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest.
Deceitfulness as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.
Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead.
Irritability and aggressiveness as indicated by
repeated physical fights or assaults.
Reckless disregard for
safety of self or others.
Consistent irresponsibility as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent
work behaviour or honour financial obligations.
Lack of remorse as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalising having hurt, mistreated or stolen from another.
( Taken from the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders)
