An asocial or antisocial personality is a personality disorder. Its symptoms can be more or less severe. It is difficult for a loved one to act because the antisocial person is unaware that they have a problem and is manipulating others. 

Asocial or antisocial personality (we also speak of dysocial or sociopathic personality) is a personality pathology characterized by an indifference or even a rejection of social norms and cultural codes and a chronic transgression of the rights and the person of others. . 

There is an older term still used colloquially to designate the sociopath who presents a serious pathology or disturbances of the thought: the psychopathic personality.

The main criterion for an antisocial personality is that person’s limited ability to sense human emotions, whether they are their own emotions or those of others. Researcher Hare explains that what they lack “are all the qualities in a human being to live in social harmony”. (1)

The main characteristics of the asocial or antisocial personality are as follows:

the person is unable to experience emotions and guess those of others

• she rejects social norms
• she tends to cheat and lie
• she acts impulsively and is unable to plan her actions 
• she is irritable and aggressive 
• she is unable to maintain a stable job and a stable romantic relationship 
• she does not show remorse in the event of an assault on another person 
• she despises her safety and that of others 

The main psychiatric complications of this disorder are drug abuse. 

The causes of antisocial personality are unknown, but genetic, biological and environmental factors are suspected. Childhood abuse is said to have an implication. 

It is interesting to know that antisocial manifestations are present from childhood. They are manifested by strong anger, aggressiveness towards other children and animals, early opposition to parents. 

This personality disorder is relatively common in men – it affects 3% compared to 1% of women – but it is mainly found in incarcerated delinquents, drug addicts and rapists. 

(1)Hare, Robert D. Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of Psychopaths Among Us, (New York: Pocket Books, 1993) pg 2.

An asocial or antisocial personality requires long therapy combining psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies, antidepressant and psychotropic drugs. 

It is a difficult disorder to treat and treatments are more aimed at reducing aggression and impulsiveness, mainly to prevent legal problems. 

Asocial or antisocial people rarely consult on their own because they think they are fine. It is often the justice system that requires them to see a therapist.

The diagnosis of asocial personality is made like that of other personality disorders based on the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5e edition (DSM5, Classification and Diagnosis of Mental Illnesses), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

It is difficult to help an antisocial loved one because antisocial personalities are manipulative in addition to not being aware of having a personality disorder. 

RI Simon describes sociopaths or asocial people as “predators”. (2) Other researchers explain that psychopaths “use their charm, manipulation, intimidation, sex, and violence” to control others and get what they want. Hare explains that with the lack of awareness and empathy, they will pursue what they desire, violating social norms without guilt or remorse. (3)

(2)Simon, R. I. Psychopaths, the predators among us. In R. I. Simon (Ed.) Bad Men Do What Good Men Dream (pp. 21-46). Washington: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.

(3)) Hare, Robert D, Psychopaths: New Trends in Research. The Harvard Mental Health Letter, September 1995

When faced with an antisocial or sociopathic person, you should protect yourself. They can manipulate you to get what they want. They lie very often. It is therefore necessary to be suspicious, not to confide too much and not to show your weaknesses. If you have an antisocial loved one, it may be interesting for you to get help from a psychological or psychiatrist to adapt your behavior towards him.