Last reviewed:
Mar 29th 2023
LSW
Antisocial behavior is a constant lack of care for others or the consequences of one’s actions. Asocial behavior is lack of social confidence and anxiety in new social situations. Antisocial behavior is linked to antisocial personality disorder, whilst asocial behavior is more of a personality trait that can be a symptom of other mental disorders.
Someone with an asocial personality will choose to avoid new social situations due to a lack of social confidence and anxiety. They will often choose to do tasks alone and have difficulty holding conversations with people they don’t know.
Asocial personality may be a symptom of a related mood or behavioral disorder such as social anxiety, avoidant personality disorder, autism, and depression. People with asocial personalities may also fall into depressive episodes caused by their social isolation [1]
Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition in which someone shows complete lack of regard for social rules, the law, and the wellbeing of themselves or others. [1]
Antisocial behavior includes:
If antisocial behavioral symptoms go unchecked and become more serious then you may be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder.
Similarities:
Differences:
Asocial and antisocial personalities are usually symptoms of personality or mood disorders, however asocial personality traits can be present in people without any diagnosis. Additionally, both types of personalities can be caused by traumatic events such as childhood neglect or physical abuse, or they can be passed on genetically. [4]
Causes of social personality:
Causes of antisocial personality:
Children who are diagnosed with a conduct disorder or ADHD before the age of 10 are more likely to develop antisocial personalities in adulthood. [4]
Both asocial and antisocial personalities are very difficult to treat and there is no clear treatment path for either that will work for everyone.
If you think that you have either an asocial or antisocial personality, then speak to your doctor if your symptoms are concerning you. They will ask you some questions about your feelings and daily life and will likely look to diagnose you with a specific mental disorder. Asocial and antisocial symptoms can then be treated through the treatment plan for your specific mental disorder, which may include a mix of medication and therapies.
Alternatively, both personality types can be helped through therapeutic methods:
However, a key difference between the two personality types means treatment may be more effective for asocial personalities. People with antisocial personalities will be unlikely to recognise when they need help without intervention and will be less likely to attend therapy or take medication.
Asocial personalities on the other hand may have more success in treatment as they are more able to recognise when they need help. However, they may also need some encouragement from family and friends to seek treatment and overcome their social anxiety as they are unlikely to put themselves in an uncomfortable situation initially.
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