admin
Loice Vavi
Health Matters
Part 11
- Physical exam
This is done to help rule out other problems that could be causing symptoms and to check for any related complications.
- Lab tests
These may include, for example, a complete blood count (CBC), a thyroid function check, and screening for alcohol and drugs to determine if there are other causes for symptoms.3. Psychological evaluation
A mental health provider explores thoughts, feelings, relationships, behaviour patterns and family history, which may include psychological tests about personality.
He or she asks about symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, how they affect daily life and whether similar episodes have occurred in the past. They also asks about thoughts of suicide, self-injury or harming others.
A person with antisocial personality disorder is unlikely to provide an accurate account of his or her signs and symptoms. Family and friends may be able to provide helpful information.
Diagnostic criteria
To be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, a person must meet the symptom criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental illnesses.
Symptom criteria required for a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder include:
Being at least 18 years old
Having had symptoms of conduct disorder before age 15, which may include such acts as stealing, vandalism, violence, cruelty to animals and bullying
Repeatedly breaking the law
Repeatedly conning or lying to others
Being irritable and aggressive, repeatedly engaging in physical fights or assaults
Feeling no remorse — or justifying behaviour — after harming others
Having no regard for the safety of self or others
Acting impulsively and not planning ahead
Being irresponsible and repeatedly failing to honour work or financial obligations
Treatments and drugs
Antisocial personality disorder is very difficult to treat. People with this disorder may not even want treatment or think they need it.
But people with antisocial personality disorder need treatment and close follow-up over the long term.
People with antisocial personality disorder may also need treatment for other conditions, such as depression, anxiety or substance use disorders.
Medical and mental health providers with experience treating antisocial personality disorder and commonly associated conditions are most likely to be helpful. The best treatment or combination of treatments depends on each person’s particular situation and severity of symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is sometimes used to treat antisocial personality disorder. Psychotherapy is not always effective, especially if symptoms are severe and the person can’t admit that he or she contributes to problems.
Psychotherapy may be provided in individual sessions, in group therapy, or in sessions that include family or even friends.
Medications
However, several types of psychiatric medications may help with certain conditions sometimes associated with antisocial personality disorder or with symptoms such as aggression.
These medications may include antipsychotic, antidepressant or mood-stabilising medications. They must be prescribed cautiously because some have the potential for misuse.
Skills for family members
If you have a loved one with antisocial personality disorder, it’s critical that you also get help for yourself.
Mental health professionals with experience managing this condition can teach you skills to learn how to set boundaries and help protect yourself from the aggression, violence and anger common to antisocial personality disorder.
They can also recommend strategies for coping.
Ask the people on your loved one’s treatment team for a referral. They may also be able to recommend support groups for families and friends affected by antisocial personality disorder.
Lifestyle
There’s no sure way to prevent antisocial personality disorder from developing in those at risk. Trying to identify those most at risk, such as children living with neglect or abuse, and offering early intervention may help.
Getting appropriate treatment early, and sticking with it for the long term, may prevent symptoms from worsening.
Antisocial behaviour is thought to have its roots in childhood, parents, teachers and paediatricians may be able to spot early warning signs.
While diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder generally isn’t done before age 18, children at risk may have symptoms of conduct disorder, especially behaviour that involves violence or aggression toward others, such as:
Bullying, Conflict with peers, family members and authority figures, Stealing, Cruelty to people and animals, Fire starting and vandalism, Use of weapons, Sexual assault, Repeated lying, Problem behaviours in school and poor academic performance, Gang involvement, Running away from home
Early, effective and appropriate discipline, lessons in behavioural skills, family therapy, and psychotherapy may help reduce the chance that at-risk children go on to become adults with antisocial personality disorder.
For more information contact [email protected] or 0772224231
Online Reporter