Discussion Question 2: Antisocial personality disorder is often associated with an individual failing conform to social norms, being impulsive, and deceitful. Taking what you know about anti-social personality disorder discuss the prevalence of this disorder among the general population and the criminal population. Additionally identify the types of crimes these individuals are most likely guilty of committing. Conclude with you identifying and discussing what the best treatment options are for this disorder.

Classmate 1 Emanual: According to the United States National Library of Medicine (2021), “Antisocial personality disorder is a mental condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others without any remorse.” (p.1). The same article reports that the cause of this disorder is unknown. However, a person’s genes and other factors, such as child abuse, may contribute to developing this condition (NIH, 2021, p.1). Moreover, Hull (2021) noted that “Approximately 3% of the United States population suffers from an antisocial personality disorder.” (p.2). Additionally, Hull (2021) argued that “Approximately 80% of individuals with an antisocial personality disorder will have started to show symptoms by the age of 11.” (p.2).

As discussed, individuals with ASPD will have started to display symptoms during their adolescent years. According to the Cleveland Clinic (2021), “Traits of ASPD usually develop during late childhood or the early teen years. Before age 18, the condition gets diagnosed as conduct disorder.” (p.1). Furthermore, the Mental Health of America organization (2021) reveals that studies had indicated that the rate among boys in the general population suffering from conduct disorder ranges from 6% to 16%, while the rate among girls ranges from 2% to 9%. (p.1). Many experts argue that conduct disorder comorbid with other mental illnesses, if left untreated, will likely become severe and can rapidly elevate the probability of the adolescent engaging in crimes as an adult. As mentioned in this week 2 lesson, “A child with conduct disorder who goes untreated often becomes an adult who has a high risk of becoming a criminal and even becoming a violent offender with possible incarceration.” (Week 2 Lesson, 2021, para.9).

Black et al. (2010) noted that in a study of 320 incarcerated offenders, ASPD was present in 113 subjects (35.3%) (NIH, 2021, p.1). Moreover, Davison & Janca (2012), argued that “Adults with antisocial personality disorder scores were associated with most offenses, especially obstruction of justice, firearms, robbery and blackmail, escape and breach, fraud, burglary and theft as well as violence.” (p.2). According to the authors, the scores were obtained using the National Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity in Prisoners and Wales to examine the connection between different personality disorder subtype scores and lifetime offenses. On the other hand, adolescents with conduct disorder will likely commit crimes such as theft, shoplifting and will engage in physical fights (NIH, 2021, p.1). Many experts argue that there is a well-established connection between personality disorder and offending. Thus, many people would agree that treatment options for antisocial personality disorder and conduct disorder can effectively prevent and decrease the likelihood of criminal acts from individuals suffering from these conditions.

The Cleveland Clinic (2021) suggests that psychotherapy may help individuals who have an antisocial personality disorder. The same article defines psychotherapy as a type of counseling that focuses on changing a person’s thinking and behavior. Family and group therapy is also recommended by some experts (Cleveland Clinic, 2021, p.1). On the other hand, the Hopkins Medicine Organization (2021) recommends cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, peer group therapy, and medicines for treatment to manage conduct disorder. Like psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy assists the child in learning to solve problems, communicate, and handle stress better.

In closing, as discussed, an anti-social personality disorder is prevalent among the general population and the criminal population. As many experts suggest, the cause of this mental disorder is unknown. Nevertheless, a person’s genes and other factors, such as child abuse, may develop this condition. Symptoms of ASPD will have started to show by the age of 11. When a person starts to show ASPD symptoms before reaching the age of 18, the individual will be treated or diagnosed with conduct disorder.

As mentioned, adults with antisocial personality disorder were associated with most offenses, primarily violent crimes, obstruction of justice, and blackmail. On the other hand, juveniles with disorder conduct were associated with theft, shoplifting, physical fights. As previously noted, studies have shown that there is a well-established connection between personality disorder and offending. Thus, treatment options for antisocial personality disorder and conduct disorder can be effective alternatives to prevent and decrease the likelihood of criminal acts from individuals suffering from these conditions. In addition to the recommend treatments, early intervention would be among the most effective treatment for both conditions. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and may decrease these individual’s probability of criminal acts.