Americans are inundated with stress; most can’t afford a home anymore, our healthcare system is a nightmare, costs for essentials like groceries are through the roof, and there seems to be no reprieve for any of this. If you are like me, you may have asked why. Why don’t these people care what happens to others? Why would they do such things? Why would they want to hurt the community just for an additional home when they already have more than three homes in different locations? Why don’t the wages match the cost of living? Why does anyone need so much money to a point where all wouldn’t even be enough?
I work multiple jobs: three part-time jobs and one full-time job. I run Etsy and Zazzle shops and books that sell on Amazon. Despite all this, I am barely making it. I don’t overspend. I don’t have designer things. My car is a 2009 model, and it’s paid off. I am the most frugal person I know. I am exhausted. I work seven days a week and have little social time. I try to give back to the community as much as I can by helping the elderly in my neighborhood and advocating for animal rights. I try to help people with their mental wellness—that’s what this blog is about.
I was raised to think that when you grow up, get a good job, and take care of your responsibilities, you’ll be able to have what you need in life. This is not the case anymore. The policies currently in place disproportionately benefit the wealthy, leaving the rest of us to be enslaved by the system.
But why? I think I know a large part of the answer: Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).
What Is Antisocial Personality Disorder?
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition defined by a pervasive disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, impulsivity, and manipulative tendencies. According to the DSM-5, ASPD symptoms include:
Disregard for social norms and laws.
Deceitfulness, such as lying or manipulating others for personal gain.
Impulsivity and failure to plan.
Irritability and aggressiveness.
Reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Consistent irresponsibility, such as failing to honor financial obligations.
Lack of remorse for harming others.
These traits often manifest in early childhood or adolescence, usually as Conduct Disorder, and persist into adulthood. While ASPD affects about 1-4% of the general population, studies indicate its prevalence may be significantly higher in corporate leadership and political roles.
Disorders and Conditions Related to or Overlapping with ASPD
Conduct Disorder (CD):
Key Relation:Â Conduct Disorder is often a precursor to ASPD. It is diagnosed in children and adolescents who display patterns of aggression, deceitfulness, destruction of property, and rule violations.
Connection:Â To be diagnosed with ASPD as an adult, there must be evidence of Conduct Disorder symptoms before age 15.
Psychopathy:
Key Relation:Â Psychopathy is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5 but is a personality construct studied in psychology. It overlaps with ASPD but includes additional traits such as superficial charm, manipulativeness, and lack of fear or guilt.
Difference:Â ASPD focuses more on behavioral patterns (e.g., criminality, impulsivity), whereas psychopathy emphasizes emotional and interpersonal traits (e.g., lack of empathy, grandiosity).
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD):
Overlap:Â Both ASPD and NPD can involve manipulativeness, lack of empathy, and a sense of entitlement. However, individuals with NPD typically seek admiration, while those with ASPD may act without concern for others' approval.
Difference:Â ASPD involves more impulsivity and criminal behavior, while a deep need for validation and grandiosity characterizes NPD.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):
Overlap:Â Impulsivity and emotional instability can occur in both ASPD and BPD. Individuals with either disorder may engage in risky behaviors or have difficulty maintaining relationships.
Difference:Â BPD is more characterized by intense emotional responses, fear of abandonment, and self-harm, while ASPD involves a disregard for others' rights and persistent rule-breaking.
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs):
Comorbidity:Â People with ASPD often have higher rates of substance abuse or dependence, possibly due to their impulsivity and disregard for consequences.
Impulse-Control Disorders:
Examples:Â Disorders such as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) or Kleptomania may co-occur with ASPD, as they share elements of impulsivity and difficulty with self-regulation.
Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD):
Overlap:Â Distrust and suspiciousness can occasionally overlap with ASPD traits, particularly in manipulative or hypervigilant individuals.
Difference:Â PPD does not involve disregard for others' rights as seen in ASPD.
Disorders That Might Be Misdiagnosed as ASPD
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD):
Seen in children or adolescents, ODD involves defiant and hostile behaviors but does not usually escalate to the severe rule-breaking and aggression seen in Conduct Disorder or ASPD.
Bipolar Disorder:
In manic states, individuals with Bipolar Disorder may display impulsivity, irritability, or risky behavior that could superficially resemble ASPD traits. However, these behaviors are episodic rather than a pervasive pattern.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
Misinterpretations of social cues or difficulties with empathy in individuals with ASD might superficially appear as ASPD-like behavior, though the underlying causes and intentions differ significantly.
Key Distinctions of ASPD
ASPD is marked by a pervasive and enduring pattern of disregard for others' rights and societal rules, starting in childhood or adolescence.
While related conditions may share some traits, ASPD stands out due to its specific diagnostic criteria and emphasis on behavioral patterns such as criminality, impulsivity, and lack of remorse.
A formal diagnosis of ASPD requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, as distinguishing it from overlapping disorders or comorbid conditions is critical for appropriate treatment.
ASPD in Corporate America
Research shows that individuals with psychopathic tendencies, which overlap with ASPD, are overrepresented in corporate leadership. Studies suggest that 3-12% of CEOs exhibit psychopathic traits, compared to just 1% in the general population. This "corporate psychopathy" is characterized by charm, manipulativeness, and cruelty—traits that can help individuals climb the corporate ladder but at the expense of others.
Examples in Practice:
Reckless Decision-Making: CEOs make impulsive, high-stakes decisions that jeopardize employees’ livelihoods while securing golden parachutes for themselves.
Manipulative Leadership:Â Misleading investors and employees to maintain power or profit margins.
Lack of Empathy:Â Corporate practices prioritizing profits over human well-being, such as cutting safety measures, suppressing wages, or exploiting workers.
Evidence and Stats:
A study published in Behavioral Sciences & the Law found that corporate leaders score higher on psychopathy traits like boldness and lack of empathy.
The "Toxic Triangle" theory in organizational psychology explains how destructive leaders (often with ASPD traits) rise to power with the help of susceptible followers and a conducive environment.
ASPD and Government Policies
The policies that shape our daily lives often reflect the values of the individuals creating them. Unfortunately, many of these individuals exhibit traits consistent with ASPD, prioritizing power and self-interest over public welfare.
Policies Reflecting ASPD Traits:
Healthcare Inequality:
Policies that allow pharmaceutical companies to price gouge essential medications, leaving millions without access to life-saving treatments.
ASPD Alignment: A lack of empathy for human suffering in favor of profits.
Economic Exploitation:
Tax breaks for billionaires and corporations while cutting funding for social safety nets like food assistance and affordable housing.
ASPD Alignment: Disregard for the rights and needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Environmental Deregulation:
Rolling back climate policies despite overwhelming evidence of environmental harm.
ASPD Alignment: Reckless disregard for long-term consequences and public safety.
Immigration and Detention Practices:
Separating families at the border and detaining individuals in inhumane conditions.
ASPD Alignment: Lack of remorse or accountability for the psychological and physical harm inflicted.
Evidence:
A 2014 study in Journal of Business Ethics found that individuals with psychopathic tendencies are more likely to thrive in political environments that reward manipulation and strategic ruthlessness.
Analysis of policy decisions reveals a systemic disregard for the well-being of average citizens, reflecting traits like irresponsibility and lack of empathy.
Why Does It Matter?
Policies in America disproportionately benefit the wealthy, leaving the middle and lower classes to struggle. This isn’t simply a matter of greed—it’s systemic. The individuals crafting these policies often lack the capacity for empathy, making decisions based solely on personal or political gain. The traits associated with ASPD—deceit, disregard for others, and manipulativeness—are embedded in our systems, from boardrooms to Capitol Hill.
Key Statistics:
Over 70% of Americans report feeling financially stressed while the wealth gap widens.
The U.S. healthcare system is ranked 37th globally despite being the most expensive.
Corporate lobbying influences legislation, with industries like pharmaceuticals and fossil fuels spending billions annually to prioritize profits over public health.
What Can Be Done?
The first step is to understand the role of ASPD traits in shaping corporate and governmental decisions. Here are some ways to push back:
Advocate for Transparency:Â Support policies requiring corporations and governments to disclose their decision-making processes.
Elect Empathetic Leaders:Â Vote for candidates with a proven track record of prioritizing community well-being over self-interest.
Support Ethical Businesses:Â Choose to buy from companies that demonstrate social responsibility.
Educate and Empower:Â Spread awareness about the influence of ASPD traits in leadership and their societal impact.
The next time you wonder why or how people can be so callous, remember that our country—and the people in charge—is riddled with ASPD. Literal psychopaths are making the rules for the rest of us. Recognizing this reality isn’t about despair—it’s about understanding the systemic issues to work toward solutions. Together, we can demand better leadership and create a society that values empathy, fairness, and community.
Disclaimer: Journaling is a powerful tool to support your healing process. The CBT exercises in Journals to Healing journals are intended to help you analyze and reframe your thoughts as part of a personal growth journey. However, these journals do not replace therapy or professional help. If you are experiencing intense emotions or feelings beyond your control, please seek professional assistance. Resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741) are available 24/7 for support. Remember, reaching out for help is a strength, and healing is a process.
Komentarze