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Antisocial personality disorder - Treatment

Alternative Names

Psychopathic personality; Sociopathic personality; Personality disorder - antisocial

Treatment:

Antisocial personality disorder is one of the most difficult personality disorders to treat. People with this condition rarely seek treatment on their own. They may only start therapy when required to by a court.

The effectiveness of treatment for antisocial personality disorder is not known.

Expectations (prognosis):

Symptoms tend to peak during the late teenage years and early 20's. They may improve on their own by a person's 40's.

Complications:

Complications can include imprisonment and drug abuse.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with a mental health professional if:

You have symptoms of antisocial personality disorder
Your child shows behaviors of this disorder

Reviewed last on: 10/17/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Moore Dp, Jefferson JW. Antisocial personality disorder. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004: chap 137.

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