It's all about the NUT JOB in my Life

It has all become so clear to me... I'm dealing with a NUT JOB!

Antisocial Personality Disorder is also known as psychopathy or sociopathy. Individuals with this disorder have little regard for the feeling and welfare of others. As a clinical diagnosis it is usually limited to those over age 18. It can be diagnosed in younger people if they commit isolated antisocial acts and do not show signs of another mental disorder.

Antisocial Personality Disorder is chronic, beginning in adolescence and continuing throughout adulthood. There are ten general symptoms:

1. Not learning from experience
2. No sense of responsibility
3. Inability to form meaningful relationships
4. Inability to control impulses
5. Lack of moral sense
6. Chronically antisocial behavior
7. No change in behavior after punishment
8. Emotional immaturity
9. Lack of guilt
10. Self-centeredness

People with this disorder do not consider other people's wishes, welfare or rights. They can be manipulative and may lie to gain personal pleasure or profit. Impulsiveness, irritability, aggressiveness, irresponsibility, and a reckless disregard for others are traits of the antisocial personality. Low self-esteem, paranoia and a need to continually belittle others typically manifests in the person with the antisocial personality. People with this disorder may also show aggressive denial tendencies, especially when questioned or called to account; a psychological assault usually follows on those who try to cause the individual to take responsibility for their behavior or actions.

Socioeconomic status, gender, and genetic factors play a role. Males are more likely to be antisocial than females. Those from lower socioeconomic groups are more susceptible. A family history of the disorder puts one at higher risk.

There are many theories about the cause of Antisocial Personality Disorder including experiencing neglectful parenting as a child, low levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and belief that antisocial behavior is justified because of difficult circumstances. Psychotherapy, group therapy, and family therapy are common treatments. The effects of medical treatment are inconclusive. Unfortunately, most people with Antisocial Personality Disorder reject treatment. Therefore, recovery rates are low.

And to think - all this time I've been coming at it from a totally different angle... I'm so glad this has been cleared up. Now I know how to proceed... with extreme caution... I'm dealing with a potential Postal Worker!