Antisocial personality disorder is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and impulsive or manipulative behaviors.
At The Summit Wellness Group, our antisocial personality disorder treatment in Atlanta, GA, is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based mental health treatment for individuals with antisocial personality disorder and other mental illnesses.
These programs offer structured, supportive environments to help individuals manage their symptoms, improve interpersonal relationships, and enhance their quality of life.
Prevalence of Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder affects a significant portion of the population, but its prevalence varies depending on the demographic and setting. It is estimated that between 0.6% and 3.6% of the general adult population in the US struggles with this disorder.
Antisocial personality disorder is notably more common among men, with prevalence rates up to three times higher than in women, potentially due to social, cultural, or biological factors such as unchecked aggression or substance abuse tendencies.
Higher prevalence rates, sometimes exceeding 70%, are observed in specific populations, such as individuals in substance use treatment facilities, prisons, or forensic settings.
Antisocial personality disorder emerges in adolescence or early adulthood, with symptoms often peaking between ages 20 and 40. It is classified as a Cluster B personality disorder.
While the disorder is considered chronic, research suggests that symptoms may lessen in severity after age 40, particularly with targeted interventions.
The high prevalence in specific settings highlights the need for specialized treatment programs like ours, which address the personality disorder as well as any co-occurring conditions to reduce the risk of legal issues, relationship difficulties, and social dysfunction.
Signs and Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of antisocial personality disorder is critical for early intervention and effective treatment. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder requires a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15, with some of the following symptoms:
- Disregard for Rules and Norms: Individuals frequently violate societal rules, engaging in behaviors such as lying, stealing, or breaking laws without concern for consequences.
- Deceitfulness: Repeated use of deception, such as conning others for personal gain or pleasure, is common. This may include manipulating others through charm or false promises.
- Impulsivity: Acting without forethought or planning, often leading to reckless decisions that harm oneself or others.
- Aggressiveness: A tendency toward irritability, hostility, or physical altercations, often triggered by minor provocations.
- Lack of Remorse: Individuals show little to no guilt or regret for actions that harm others, often rationalizing or dismissing their behavior.
- Irresponsibility: Consistent failure to meet obligations, such as financial responsibilities or work commitments, reflects a disregard for accountability.
- Superficial Charm: A charismatic or persuasive demeanor, which may be used to manipulate or exploit others.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and presentation, often overlapping with other mental health conditions. At The Summit Wellness Group, we conduct thorough assessments to ensure an accurate diagnosis and tailor treatment options to each individual’s needs.
Our Treatment Programs
At The Summit Wellness Group, we offer specialized antisocial personality disorder treatment programs that integrate evidence-based interventions with holistic care in several levels of care. Delivered through PHP and IOP formats, our programs provide flexible yet structured support, allowing individuals to engage in intensive therapy while maintaining aspects of their daily lives.
Sober Living Residences
Our Sober Living homes offer a supportive, structured environment for individuals seeking a safe transition from intensive treatment to independent living. Sober Living is ideal for those who have completed PHP or IOP and want continued accountability as they rebuild their lives.
Residents benefit from:
- Safe, Substance-Free Housing: Each home provides a stable, drug- and alcohol-free setting, reducing exposure to triggers and supporting ongoing recovery.
- Peer Support & Community: Living alongside others in recovery fosters connection, shared responsibility, and encouragement. Group meetings and house activities help residents build healthy relationships and a sense of belonging.
- Life Skills Development: Sober Living emphasizes practical skills such as budgeting, meal planning, job searching, and time management, empowering residents to thrive in daily life.
- Accountability & Structure: Regular drug testing, curfews, and house rules help maintain a safe environment. On-site staff and peer leaders offer guidance and support.
- Continued Clinical Engagement: Residents are encouraged to participate in outpatient therapy, 12-step meetings, or other recovery programs, ensuring ongoing therapeutic progress.
- Transition Planning: Our team assists with goal setting, employment support, and connections to community resources, helping residents prepare for lasting independence.
- Sober Living bridges the gap between treatment and full independence, providing the structure, support, and community needed to sustain recovery and build a fulfilling life.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our PHP is designed for individuals requiring intensive support, particularly those in the early stages of treatment or experiencing significant symptoms of their mental health disorders. In a supportive, clinical environment, PHP involves 5-7 days per week of structured programming, typically for several hours a day. Key features include:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with licensed therapists focus on addressing maladaptive behaviors, building emotional regulation skills, and fostering accountability.
- Group Therapy: Facilitated groups provide a safe space to practice interpersonal skills, explore social dynamics, and receive peer feedback.
- Psychiatric Care: Many of our clients, especially those with co-occurring conditions, require various medications to manage symptoms. Our treatment teams manage those medications and regularly assess each client to determine their progress.
- Brain Mapping: Brain mapping is a service that examines an individual’s brain wave functioning. We can use this to see how the brain has been affected and incorporate it into treatment.
PHP allows individuals to return home each evening, promoting independence while ensuring robust clinical support.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our IOP is ideal for those transitioning from PHP or requiring less intensive care. IOP involves 3-5 days per week of programming, typically 3 hours per day, balancing treatment with work or family responsibilities. Components may include:
- Continued Individual or Group Therapy: These services reinforce skills learned in PHP, emphasizing real-world applications.
- Relapse Prevention: For those with co-occurring substance abuse issues, IOP includes strategies to maintain sobriety and manage triggers.
- Family Involvement: Family therapy sessions educate loved ones about antisocial personality disorder and foster healthier communication patterns.
- Aftercare Planning: We develop personalized plans for long-term recovery, including referrals to community resources and ongoing therapy.
IOP provides flexibility while maintaining a strong therapeutic foundation, helping individuals sustain progress.
Evidence-Based Interventions
Our programs are grounded in evidence-based practices proven effective for antisocial personality disorder and related conditions. These include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and modify distorted thought patterns that drive harmful behaviors. For antisocial personality disorder, CBT focuses on impulsivity, aggression, and empathy deficits.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, equipping individuals with tools to manage intense emotions and conflicts.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) enhances motivation for change by addressing ambivalence and fostering a commitment to treatment goals.
- Schema Therapy targets deep-rooted patterns or “schemas” that contribute to antisocial personality disorder behaviors, promoting lasting personality change.
Our multidisciplinary team of psychologists, therapists, and addiction specialists delivers these interventions, ensuring comprehensive care.
Holistic Care for Whole-Person Healing
Recognizing that antisocial personality disorders affect more than just behavior, our program incorporates holistic therapies to support emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. These include:
- Mindfulness and Meditation help individuals develop self-awareness and impulse control.
- Art Therapy allows individuals to express emotions and explore identity non-judgmentally.
- Nutritional Counseling supports mental clarity and physical health, addressing deficiencies that may exacerbate symptoms.
- Therapeutic Fitness, like yoga, fitness classes, and recreational therapy, promotes stress relief and healthy coping strategies.
- Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care staff work with clients to promote total body health.
Why Choose Our Program
The Summit Wellness Group’s antisocial personality disorder treatment approach stands out for our personalized, integrative approach. We understand that individuals with antisocial personality disorder face unique challenges, including stigma and difficulty trusting others. Our treatment teams create a non-judgmental, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to engage in treatment. Key strengths of our program include:
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Our interventions are tailored to each client’s specific symptoms, goals, and co-occurring conditions.
- Experienced Staff: Our clinicians are trained in personality disorders and have extensive experience working with complex cases.
- Flexible Programming: Our treatment programs accommodate diverse schedules and needs, ensuring accessibility.
- Focus on Long-Term Success: We prioritize sustainable change and equip clients with skills to navigate relationships, work, and personal growth.
Getting Started
If you or a loved one is struggling with antisocial personality disorder, The Summit Wellness Group is here to help. The journey to recovery begins with a comprehensive assessment, evaluating symptoms, medical history, and treatment needs.
From there, we collaborate with clients to develop a personalized plan, delivered through inpatient treatment, PHP, IOP, or a combination. Our admissions team is available to answer questions, verify insurance, and guide you through the process.
Antisocial personality disorder presents significant challenges, but with the proper support, individuals can achieve meaningful change. Our treatment center’s antisocial personality disorder treatment program combines evidence-based interventions, holistic care, and flexible programming to address the disorder’s complexities.
We provide structured yet adaptable support, empowering clients to build healthier lives. If you’re ready to take that first step, call us today at (770) 790-4510 to learn how our program can make a difference. Please speak to our admissions team about insurance plans we accept and other financial options.