Antisocial behaviors can be both hostile and aggressive. These behaviors are patterns that include other adverse behaviors such as rule-breaking, defying authoritative figures, lying, cheating, engaging in reckless behaviors, and displaying a total disregard for people. If found early, these behaviors can be corrected so those young people can grow into well adjusted, appropriate adults.
What Is Antisocial Behavior?
Antisocial behavior can be covert or overt. Covert antisocial behaviors are usually done in secret, and include vandalism, fire-setting, breaking into buildings, and theft. Overt antisocial behaviors are obvious and aggressive, like verbal abuse, bullying peers, and fighting. Covert or overt behaviors also include drug and alcohol abuse as well as other high-risk behaviors.1
Those committing these actions generally lack consideration for others and their experience. Antisocial behaviors (not to be confused with asocial behaviors) often violate the rights of others and potentially put them and others at risk. People who exhibit antisocial behavior often have no remorse for their wrong-doings, making it a challenge to hold them accountable. This can be seen in a variety of mental health disorders, so it’s important to understand other symptoms that may be at play.2
Disorders Related to Antisocial Behavior
A main symptom of several mental health disorders (e.g., sociopathy, bipolar disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, etc.) is antisocial behavior.
These mental health disorders may result in antisocial behavior:
- Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)
- Conduct disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Sociopathy
- Substance abuse
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
Examples of Antisocial Behavior
Antisocial behaviors are common from time to time; however, if left unaddressed, those behaviors can develop into larger mental health issues. In children, antisocial behaviors may present as isolation or bullying others, but most people don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood.
Antisocial Behaviors In Children
Antisocial behavior includes isolating from others, bullying, lying, and self-harm behaviors.
Antisocial behaviors in children include:3
- Aggression towards classmates
- Name-calling
- Bullying
- Hitting
- Theft
- Breaking other children’s belongings
- Lying to teachers and parents
- Gang violence
- Vandalism
- Skipping school
- Getting in fights
- Running away from home
- Self-harm behaviors
Antisocial Behaviors In Adults
There is some overlap in antisocial behavior between children and adults. Additionally, the adult may exhibit racism, sexism, road rage, and criminal behavior.
Antisocial behavior in adults include:4
- Aggression to others
- Verbal/physical abuse
- Bullying
- Swearing
- Setting fires
- Drug/alcohol abuse
- Racism
- Sexism
- Indecent exposure
- Road rage
- Criminal behavior
What Causes Antisocial Behavior?
Dysfunctional families are often a big part of why some people develop antisocial behaviors. The dysfunction develops due to relationship patterns that use fear or coercion to get things done. Children in this environment develop poor emotional regulation, impacting their cognition. Kids can also learn these behaviors from school or exposure to community violence.
Genetic factors, including environment while in utero, can also play a role. Maternal drug use and other trauma endured while in utero can also lead to a higher likelihood of developing these behaviors. It’s believed that some are predisposed to antisocial behaviors due to the large impact of genetics on the structure of the brain. 5
If one or both parents has a history of antisocial behavior there’s a higher chance that the child will develop it as well. If parents have mental health issues, children have a higher risk of experiencing them as well. Parent drug/alcohol abuse, instability in the home, child abuse, and parental inconsistencies are additional risk factors.6
Impacts of Antisocial Behavior
Antisocial behavior can have serious impacts, including substance use problems, being arrested or put in jail, and developing issues with family members.
Impacts of antisocial behavior for the antisocial person include:
- Substance use problem
- Depression
- Desentization to violence or malice
- Being arrested/doing jail time
- Injuring or killing someone
- Issues with children and spouse
Impacts of antisocial behavior on others include:
- Developing PTSD
- Low self-esteem/low self-worth
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Self-harm behaviors
- High risk for suicide
- Physical injuries
- Damaged property
- Social isolation
- Poor grades or work performance
- Avoidant tendencies
How to Respond to Antisocial Behavior
Appropriate or useful responses to antisocial behavior vary based on the unique situation. For instance, you may respond differently to a child displaying antisocial behavior than you would to an adult/someone you know, or if you were the victim or target of such behaviors.
How to Respond to Children Displaying Antisocial Behavior
Monitor children who display a pattern of hitting other children, bullying, or lying to teachers. Getting the right help and interventions from an early age can make a big impact in ensuring that they develop appropriately for their age, socialize, and are emotionally regulated. Left untreated, children can develop oppositional defiant disorder and become teens who abuse drugs and alcohol.7
How to Respond to Antisocial Behavior In Someone You Know
Make sure you understand the symptoms of antisocial behavior and take note of any actions that could cause harm. Many who display these behaviors are resistant to treatment, so it might help to hold an intervention in a safe space. It’s important to give your loved one the opportunity to recognize the consequences of their actions. Some may need to get the courts involved.8
How to Respond When You’re the Victim of Antisocial Behavior
Being the victim of antisocial behavior can be traumatizing and frightening. Establishing boundaries and expectations of how you will be treated is important. Many with antisocial behaviors are not aware of their impact on others so making it clear that these behaviors are not acceptable is a good first step.
If behaviors continue and you feel harassed, get others involved to ensure that you are safe, such as local authorities. If you’re the victim of antisocial behavior or feel that you’re in danger, call the domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.8
Treatment of Antisocial Behavior
Treatment of antisocial behavior will be highly individualized. Note that treating antisocial behaviors alone can be challenging as many are resistant to professional treatment. One option is individual therapy to explore why the person feels like it’s OK to behave the way they do and understand where/when they learned that. Group therapy can help them practice communication.
Therapy in general is a great way to modify behaviors and learn consequences by showing and discussing outcomes of behaviors. Medication may be an option for some, but not all. It’s important to discuss this with your care team and loved ones and begin searching for a therapist. Finding a therapist through an online online therapist directory is a great place to start.9
Final Thoughts on Antisocial Behavior
What you’re struggling with may be unique to you, but you’re not alone. Antisocial behavior is dangerous, so if you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for help. Changing antisocial behaviors, while challenging, is possible and talking to a therapist can make a positive difference in how you feel.
