Diseases and Conditions

Antisocial personality disorder

Treatment

Antisocial personality disorder is difficult to treat, but for some people, treatment and close follow-up over the long term may be beneficial. Look for medical and mental health professionals with experience in treating antisocial personality disorder.

Treatment depends on each person's particular situation, their willingness to participate in treatment and the severity of symptoms.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is sometimes used to treat antisocial personality disorder. Therapy may include, for example, anger and violence management, treatment for alcohol or substance misuse, and treatment for other mental health conditions.

But psychotherapy is not always effective, especially if symptoms are severe and the person can't admit that he or she contributes to serious problems.

Medications

There are no medications specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat antisocial personality disorder. Doctors may prescribe medications for conditions sometimes associated with antisocial personality disorder, such as anxiety or depression, or for symptoms of aggression. Certain drugs are usually prescribed cautiously because they have the potential for misuse.