Antisocial Personality Disorder in Teens

Why is it important to prevent teens from developing Antisocial Personality Disorder

or ASPD? Antisocial Personality Disorder symptoms can be found in many teens, but parents
are often unaware of its presence. Because it will be beneficial to prevent teens from
developing Antisocial Personality Disorder, people first need to become aware of what causes
it and what it encompasses.
Background of Antisocial Personality Disorder
People tend to have misconceptions about what Antisocial Personality Disorder
actually is. According to J. Mark Eddy and John B. Reid, antisocial behavior is a cluster of
related behaviors, including disobedience, aggression, temper tantrums, lying, stealing, and
violence. They go on to explain that even though these behaviors may be considered normal
for teens, it is the combination of many of them that are the strongest validators that
something is wrong (The Antisocial Behavior of the Adolescent Children of
Incarcerated Parents: A Developmental Perspective). When teens begin to show a collection
of various different signs, parents can conclude that they may have Antisocial Personality
Disorder.
Modern concepts of Antisocial Personality Disorder can be traced back to the early
19
th
century. In the US, Cleckley (1941) and McCord and McCord (1956) further pushed the
notion of the psychopathic personality as a distinct clinical entity, and established its core
criteria around antisocial behaviors, particularly aggressive acts. These views have been
extremely influential in shaping later classifications of sociopathy, antisocial personality
disorder, dissocial personality disorder (ICD) and psychopathy (Hare, 1980). (Antisocial
Personality Disorder). During the few centuries Antisocial Personality Disorder has been
around, it has been classified under different categories, finalized as a personality disorder and
is often linked to being a precursor to other mental disorders like Borderline Personality
Disorder and Paranoia.
Causes of Antisocial Personality Disorder
The things a child is associated with when they are young can lead to him or her
developing Antisocial Personality Disorder. J. Mark Eddy and John B. Reid, from Oregon
Social Learning Center, claim that when students participate in criminal behavior, it puts them
at a higher risk for Antisocial Personality Disorder (The Antisocial Behavior of the
Adolescent Children of Incarcerated Parents: A Developmental Perspective). An article from
Newport Academy discusses that a number of environmental or social conditions can increase
a childs display of antisocial behavior (Adolescent Antisocial Behavior). The type of
environment children are raised in is very influential to them when they become teenagers and
adults. Common environments that are problematic can be: households with parents who are
involved in crimes, peers who participate in negative activities, and broken homes with
divorced or separated parents.
In addition, Antisocial Personality Disorder is also associated with problems in the
brain. In a new study it was found that antisocial behavior in teenagers might be caused by
brain abnormalities. Daily Mail Reporter has revealed that experts have found that young
adults with a psychiatric case known as conduct disorder have an irregular pattern of brain
activity set side by side with those who do not have the condition. One particular investigation
found that when shown photographs of happy or sad faces, a normal teenagers brain lights
up, whereas the brain of a teenager with Antisocial Personality Disorder shows no signs of
activity (Teenage anti-social behavior caused by 'brain abnormality'). Antisocial
Personality Disorder can be caused by brain abnormalities in teens, such as no response to
photos or other peoples emotions, but it is still equally as treatable as when it is caused by
past experiences.
Why Antisocial Personality Disorder is a Problem in Teens
Some parents do not consider Antisocial Personality Disorder as a big problem in
teens, but it is actually a common misfortune. Candice Coleman explains that teen girls who
are antisocial may also suffer from depression (Teen Girls & Antisocial Behavior). It
affects teens in outward displays of aggressive/violent behaviors, criminal operations,
rebellion toward adult figures in his or her life, and general disobedience. The difference
between the listed actions and the actions of a typical teenager is that antisocial kids do these
things at extreme levels and across a wide range of negative behaviors. This is especially a
dilemma because it can lead to teens with Antisocial Personality Disorder developing other
mental disorders as well. For example, it can prompt Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,
Borderline Personality Disorder, Paranoia, Depression as well as a myriad of sociopathic
disorders.
Not only is Antisocial Personality Disorder a problem to families in their homes, it
affects the teens as students as well as their teachers. Kathleen Lynne Lane and Joseph Wehby
conclude that children with Antisocial Personality Disorder are some of the most difficult
students for teachers to work with due to constant outbursts and no desire to learn
(Addressing antisocial behavior in the schools: a call for action.). Teens should have a
proper learning environment, one that creates a feeling of positivity and motivates the student
to be successful in everything they do, but Antisocial Personality Disorder makes that difficult
for these students.
Solution for Antisocial Personality Disorder
In contrast to what some people believe, there are different solutions for teens that
have Antisocial Personality Disorder. One possible solution is one that can be done by
schools: educate teachers on how to work with these students. Kathleen Lynne Lane and
Joseph Wehby reported, in the condensed span they have been operating school-based
experimentation to protect kids from the expansion of antisocial behavior. One theme has
been reiterated constantly: teachers remembered feeling not properly cut out to adequately
teach those children who regularly illustrate acting out behaviors. (Addressing antisocial
behavior in the schools: a call for action.). If teachers are effectively trained on how to
instruct students with Antisocial Personality Disorder, the students can gain a better education
than they would in an average classroom. Educators must be taught how to recognize early
signs of antisocial behaviors, create efficient lesson plans, create a well constructed physical
layout of the room, and practice reactive strategies such as positive rewards and non-
exclusionary punishments to prevent bad behavior occurring while he/she is teaching. It has
also been suggested that there are school-wide screenings done to test students for the
disorder.
There are also treatments for Antisocial Personality Disorder that can be done outside
of school. Experts at Newport Academy revealed that parents have to know the difference
between teenager behavior and antisocial behavior (Adolescent Antisocial Behavior).
Contrary to the myth that you cannot prevent Antisocial Personality Disorder, Donald W.
Black, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa Roy J. states, after some
investigations it has been proven that if you pinpoint these adolescents, that show symptoms
of Antisocial Personality Disorder, early and assist their families to help them distinguish and
fix their childs unacceptable behavior, and lead them away from inadequate companions, its
possible to avoid this path. (Surprising Myths & Facts About Antisocial Personality
Disorder). Parents have a large influence on the outcome in their childs teenage years, so it
is important for them to associate him or her with worthy peers, remove bad influences, and
control the amount of time they associate with criminals or other troubled youth. They can
further set good examples, create a positive environment, and practice communication skills
in order for their children to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. By using
these techniques, parents and guardians can try their best to prevent Antisocial Personality
Disorder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to prevent children and teens from developing Antisocial
Personality Disorder once people know how. The disorder is an issue due to the fact that it
can lead to other mental, social, and psychological issues. It will be beneficial to prevent teens
from developing Antisocial Personality Disorder; people first need to become aware of what
causes it. Adults should recognize its existence in children and young adults and seek
assistance from professionals. Kids and teens will no longer have to suffer from this disorder
if people put forth the effort to make a change.