Which intervention is appropriate for an individual diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder?

Learning Outcome

1. Describe the clinical features of antisocial personality disorder

   Inhaltsverzeichnis Show

   • Learning Outcome
   • Introduction
   • Nursing Diagnosis
   • Medical Management
   • Nursing Management
   • Outcome Identification
   • Coordination of Care
   • Health Teaching and Health Promotion
   • Risk Management
   • Review Questions
   • What is the treatment for antisocial personality disorder quizlet?
   • What are interventions for personality disorder?
   • Which behavior is characteristic of a patient diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder?
   • What are some appropriate nursing interventions for a patient with borderline personality disorder?

2. Summarize the treatment of antisocial personality disorder

3. Recall the outcomes of patients with antisocial personality disorder

Introduction

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a deeply ingrained and rigid dysfunctional thought process that focuses on social irresponsibility with exploitive, delinquent, and criminal behavior with no remorse. Disregard for and violation of the rights of others are common manifestations of this personality disorder, which displays symptoms that include failure to conform to the law, inability to sustain consistent employment, deception, manipulation for personal gain, and incapacity to form stable relationships.[1]

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) classifies all ten personality disorders into three clusters (A, B, and C). ASPD falls into 1 of 4 cluster-B disorders, which also includes borderline, narcissistic, and histrionic. All of these disorders characteristically demonstrate by dramatic, emotional, and unpredictable interactions with others.[2] Antisocial personality disorder is the only personality disorder that is not diagnosable in childhood. Before the age of 18, the patient must have been previously diagnosed with conduct disorder (CD) by the age of 15 years old to justify diagnostic criteria for ASPD.[1]

Many researchers and clinicians argue this diagnosis, with concerns of significant overlap with other disorders, including psychopathy. However, others counter that psychopathy is simply a subtype of ASPD, with a more severe presentation. Recent literature states that although a heterogeneous construct that can subdivide into multiple subtypes that share many similarities and are often comorbid but not synonymous, individuals with antisocial personality disorder must be characterized biologically and cognitively to ensure more accurate categorization and appropriate treatment.[3]

The estimated lifetime prevalence of ASPD amongst the general population falls within 1 to 4%.[4][5] Due to the predicting factor of the initial diagnosis of conduct disorder before the age of 15, this assumption can be quite broad as CD is not always evaluated properly.[6] Gender distribution tends to be skewed towards males, with 3 to 5 times more likelihood of being diagnosed with ASPD than females, with 6% men and 2% women within the general population.[7] Substance abuse has been found to show a significant correlation to the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder,[8] while education and intelligence displays a negative correlation,[7][9] with a higher prevalence of ASPD amongst those with lower IQs and reading levels [10]. Research shows reductions in the prevalence rate with increasing age in criminal populations,[11] as well as epidemiological samples.[7] Changes in personality traits with age and increased mortality with the behavior of ASPD have been hypothesized to justify this age-dependent alteration.[12]

Nursing Diagnosis

• Low self-esteem

• Risk for self-harm or violence

• Impairment in social interactions

• Inability to cope

Causes

Although the precise etiology is unknown, both genetic and environmental factors have been found to play a role in developing antisocial personality disorder. Various studies in the past have shown differing estimations of heritability, ranging from 38% to 69%. Environmental factors that correlate to the development of ASPD include adverse childhood experiences (both physical and sexual abuse, as well as neglect) along with childhood psychopathology (CD and ADHD).[13]

Other studies stress the importance of both shared and non-shared environmental factors, including both family dynamics and peer relations on the development of antisocial personality disorder. Research has been focused on establishing the exact gene contributing to ASPD and much evidence is pointing toward the 2p12 region of chromosome 2 and variation within AVPR1A. Interactions of specific genes with the environment have been an area of study as well, with evidence of variation in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) contributing to the broad ranges of behavior elicited in ASPD due to its effect on the influence of deviant peer affiliation.[14]

Assessment

Before performing a comprehensive psychiatric assessment of the patient, a careful history and physical examination is necessary.  "The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder 

1. A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, since age 15 years, as indicated by three (or more) of the following:

   • Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, such as performing acts that are grounds for arrest.

   • Deceitfulness, repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for pleasure or personal profit.

   • Impulsivity or failure to plan.

   • Irritability and aggressiveness, often with physical fights or assaults.

   • Reckless disregard for the safety of self or others.

   • Consistent irresponsibility, failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor monetary obligations.

   • Lack of remorse, being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another person.

2. The individual is at least age 18 years.

3. Evidence of conduct disorder typically with onset before age 15 years.

4. The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during schizophrenia or bipolar disorder."

Evaluation

No current diagnostic modalities, such as tests including serology, are currently accepted standards in diagnosing antisocial personality disorder. However, genetic testing and neuroimaging have been used to evaluate potential causes and patterns, respectively, with ASPD (see Etiology section above). Patients with ASPD are at a higher risk of contracting certain viral infections and sexually transmitted diseases associated with high-risk behavior, including hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus, as well as increased mortality rates due to accidents, traumatic injuries, suicides, and homicides.[15][16][17]

Medical Management

Although a multitude of interventions has been tested in the past, an appropriate algorithm fails to exist today. Literature suggests early treatment intervention with conduct disorder in children as the least costly and most effective with treating antisocial personality disorder.[18] However, certain psychopharmacology and psychotherapy have been used throughout literature, but due to the severity of potential harms in adulthood, intricate consideration is necessary when delineating a treatment course.[19]

Most of the needs of antisocial personality disorder are addressable in the outpatient setting. Hospitalization is not cost-effective as it provides little to no benefit to those with ASPD, and it is very costly. Also, the presence of those with ASPD in a psychiatric hospital disrupts the environment, thus affecting the treatment of other patients in need of therapeutic care. Hospitalization is reserved for treating co-occurring conditions or possible complications, such as substance intoxication/withdrawal or recent suicidal behavior.

Insufficient evidence exists to support any psychological intervention in adults with ASPD.[20] No pharmacological intervention has been shown to treat ASPD, but medications are highly recommended to treat co-occurring conditions. Aggressive behavior is treatable with second-generation antipsychotics as first-line therapy, including risperidone (2 to 4 mg/day), quetiapine (100 to 300 mg/day). Second and third-line therapies for aggression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), sertraline (100 to 200 mg/day) or fluoxetine (20 mg/day), and mood stabilizers, lithium, and carbamazepine (dosed at recommended levels for bipolar disorder), respectively. Anticonvulsants, such as oxcarbazepine and carbamazepine, can be used to aid with impulsivity. Buproprion and atomoxetine are often used to treat associated ADHD due to their non-addictive nature. 

Nursing Management

• Educate patient about the disorder

• Assess behavior and mental status

• Assess social interactions

• Administer SSRIs if prescribed

• Encourage patient to seek therapy

• Teach patient self-care

Outcome Identification

Of those children with conduct disorder, 25% of girls and 40% of boys will meet the diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder. Boys exhibit symptoms earlier than girls, who often only elicit these symptoms in puberty. Children who do not develop conduct disorder and progress to the age of 15 without antisocial behaviors will not develop ASPD. Childhood CD is a reliable prognosticator of adulthood ASPD.[1]  The small percentage of adults with antisocial personality disorder who never met the criteria or never received an evaluation for CD, tend to have milder symptoms.[21]

Antisocial personality disorder, although a chronic condition with a lifelong presentation, has had moderations shown with advancing ages, with the mean remitted age of 35 years old. Those with less baseline symptomatology showed better-remitted rates. Studies in the past revealed remitted rates of 12 to 27% and 27 to 31% rates of improvement, but not remission. Crime rates and severity reflect this relation as well, with peak crime statistics in late teens and higher severity of crimes at younger ages. Those with later presentations of antisocial behavior showed less severe behavioral problems. Those who were either never imprisoned or imprisoned for longer periods displayed greater remission rates than those imprisoned for shorter periods. This finding indicated that short-term incarceration could be somewhat preventive for future antisocial behavior.[1]

Coordination of Care

The diagnosis, categorization, and management of antisocial personality disorder is quite complex and multifaceted, often only presenting after inflicting harm. People with antisocial personality disorder run a risk of incarceration due to the violent and deceitful nature of the behaviors elicited in ASPD. Hospitalization provides no benefit to a patient with ASPD and can actually create a disruptive hospital environment to others who truly require hospitalization for therapeutic purposes. 

Health Teaching and Health Promotion

• Antisocial personality disorder is one of the best-documented diseases in all of the literature pertaining to psychiatry, including etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, neuroanatomy, heritability, and interventional treatment. However, an established treatment algorithm and specialized psychopharmacology currently fail to exist.

• Better preventative measures are necessary as many of those with ASPD may only be assessed upon incarceration after the harm has already occurred. One is not apt to seek help for ASPD symptomatology. Many only seek assistance for co-occurring mental disorders or only present for court-mandated assessments.  

• Even with the remission rates in advanced ages, ASPD causes much turmoil to the patient and the patient’s surrounding community. The lives of those with ASPD remain negatively impacted even after remission.

Risk Management

Many individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder remain a burden to their families, coworkers, and closely associated peers, such as neighbors, despite becoming less troublesome with age. Mental health comorbidities and associated addictive disorders, as well as higher mortality rates due to suicides and homicides, only add to this burden. Most of those who improve with age remain unable to re-claim their lost prospects, including education, domestication, and employment. Those patients who did show remission were more likely to have spousal or family ties, with better social support.[1]

Review Questions

References

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Regier DA, Kuhl EA, Kupfer DJ. The DSM-5: Classification and criteria changes. World Psychiatry. 2013 Jun;12(2):92-8. [PMC free article: PMC3683251] [PubMed: 23737408]

Brazil IA, van Dongen JDM, Maes JHR, Mars RB, Baskin-Sommers AR. Classification and treatment of antisocial individuals: From behavior to biocognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018 Aug;91:259-277. [PubMed: 27760372]

DeLisi M, Drury AJ, Elbert MJ. The etiology of antisocial personality disorder: The differential roles of adverse childhood experiences and childhood psychopathology. Compr Psychiatry. 2019 Jul;92:1-6. [PubMed: 31079021]

Fragkaki I, Cima M, Verhagen M, Maciejewski DF, Boks MP, van Lier PAC, Koot HM, Branje SJT, Meeus WHJ. Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) and Deviant Peer Affiliation: A Gene-Environment Interaction in Adolescent Antisocial Behavior. J Youth Adolesc. 2019 Jan;48(1):86-101. [PubMed: 30315439]

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Werner KB, Few LR, Bucholz KK. Epidemiology, Comorbidity, and Behavioral Genetics of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy. Psychiatr Ann. 2015 Apr;45(4):195-199. [PMC free article: PMC4649950] [PubMed: 26594067]

Compton WM, Conway KP, Stinson FS, Colliver JD, Grant BF. Prevalence, correlates, and comorbidity of DSM-IV antisocial personality syndromes and alcohol and specific drug use disorders in the United States: results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions. J Clin Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;66(6):677-85. [PubMed: 15960559]

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Falcus C, Johnson D. The Violent Accounts of Men Diagnosed With Comorbid Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorders. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2018 Jul;62(9):2817-2830. [PubMed: 29039227]

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What is the treatment for antisocial personality disorder quizlet?

What are interventions for personality disorder?

Which behavior is characteristic of a patient diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder?

What are some appropriate nursing interventions for a patient with borderline personality disorder?