Antisocial Personality Disorder Treatment
Personality disorders are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as “an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture, is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and leads to distress or impairment.”
There are ten distinct personality disorders included in (DSM-5), and each are categorized into one of three clusters (cluster A, cluster B and cluster C). The personality disorders that make up each cluster share similar symptoms and have overlapping characteristics. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is classified as a cluster B personality disorder, which according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) are characterized as dramatic, emotional, and/ or erratic personalities. The Mayo Clinic explicitly asserts that antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a complete lack of empathy, problems with authority and total disregard for other people. Antisocial personality disorder is notoriously known as a difficult to treat illness. While there is no cure for antisocial personality disorder, there are a variety of treatment options available in Los Angeles, California.
TREATMENT IN LA
Antisocial personality disorder is recognized as a lifelong mental illness. The treatment process for individuals diagnosed with ASPD involves helping an individual learn to live with his or her diagnosis and effectively manage its symptoms. Mental health providers in LA that works with individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder will create customized treatment plans that are perfectly tailored to ensure all nuanced mental health needs are accommodated. Treatment plans for individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder could include a combination of different therapeutic modalities such cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), creative arts therapies, group therapy, and more. Although there is currently no medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explicitly treat antisocial personality disorder, depending on the needs of the individual, medication may be integrated into one’s treatment plan to reduce some of the associated symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, aggression, etc.). Through treatment an individual will learn to identify, manage and shift his or her symptoms of antisocial personality disorder.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.