Table of ContentsSummaryThe Etiology of Antisocial Personality DisorderLiterature ReviewConclusionSummaryThe Etiology of Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) is correlated with a myriad of factors without certainty as to which is predominant. This study was conducted to prove that nature and nurture are, combined, responsible for the etiology of APD. The samples were taken mainly from Willem Martens (2000) and Jonathan Kellerman (1999). The methods by which they obtained their information are adoption, notably of twins, statistics and previous studies. Each factor linked to possible causality was analyzed in this study: (1) genetic, (2) biological, (3) environmental and (4) psychological. The conclusion is that further research is needed to explain where natural and cultural factors begin and end in the development of ODA. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayThe Etiology of Antisocial Personality DisorderCommonly called psychopathy or sociopathy, antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a defined disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) as "a pervasive pattern of disregard and violation of the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood" (American Psychology Association, 2013). It has a completely different connotation than the dictionary definition of antisocial. Rather than introverted, a person diagnosed with APD displays erratic behavior (e.g. impulsive, violent, or criminal). Other diagnostic traits or signs include pathological lying, carelessness, irresponsibility, and lack of empathy (Schacter, 2013). To be diagnosed, a person must meet these and other required criteria listed in the DSM-5. Adults diagnosed with this disorder are repeatedly described as uncaring, emotionless, manipulative, or cruel because of their ruthlessness in harming others, whether physically, emotionally, or economically. Approximately 3.6% of the population suffers from APD, according to Grant et al. (Schacter, 2013). But what causes the formation of such a personality disorder? Is it genetic, environmental or specific biological/psychological factors? According to one study: “Although the interpersonal, affective, and antisocial facets of psychopathy have been the subject of extensive empirical investigation, there is a lack of concomitant research exploring their genetic and environmental underpinnings” (Blonigen, 2005). Psychologists have sought the answer by examining children, particularly adolescents, who exhibit early conduct disorder behavior and criminals already diagnosed with APD. However, there is no consensus on a single factor leading to the direct causality of ODA. Rather, the aim of this article is to show that nature and nurture play a role in the causation of the disorder. Literature Review Although no single genetic predictor has yet been verified, case studies show that genetic factors influence, albeit indirectly, the likelihood of developing APD. Children of psychopaths, or first-degree biological parents, are therefore more at risk than the general population (DSM-5, 2005, Martens, 2000). It is common to see these children following in the footsteps of their unstable fathers or mothers. Genetic theorists argue that these children inherit maladaptive traits from the parent, whether those traits areinterpersonal or impulsive (Kellerman, 1999). Behavioral problems can still arise even without the presence of the psychopathic parent in the home (Martens, 2000). Other genetic factors include a predisposition to trauma and substance abuse. Willem Martens (2000) theorized in an article he wrote that drug addicts are an at-risk group because they share the same genetic traits as those diagnosed with APD. Jonathan Kellerman adds to this idea regarding drugs and antisocial individuals: "In fact, drugs play a role of both cause and effect, because in addition to satisfying pleasure urges, psychoactive chemicals decrease inhibition , facilitating risky, reckless, sometimes psychopathic behavior” (1999). ). Additionally, substance use disorders and APD have a long history of comorbidity. Other personality disorders, schizophrenia in particular, serve as negative predictors of APD (Martens, 2000). There is a significant amount of data linking biological factors to the causality of APD. One such factor is the correlation between negative prenatal developmental outcomes and APD. Grete L. Bibring studied the psychology of pregnancy and observed that "...there was growing awareness of the high percentage of different forms of pathologies in children that were associated with disorders in their mothers" ( 1959). Malnutrition during the early developmental stages of a child's life can affect not only their physical health, but also their mental health. Insufficient nutrition as such increases the risk of developing personality disorders, including personality disorders (Schacter, 2013). Teratogens, such as alcohol and drugs, can cause brain damage and learning disabilities, which in turn also become precursors to personality disorders. Kellerman lists other facets, including "birth complications, prematurity, and postnatal damage" (1999). Studies of abnormalities and injuries of brain structure show marked differentiation between normal and antisocial individuals. These deficits are measured by EEG (electroencephalogram) or brain wave patterns. The areas of the brain observed are the frontal lobe (lesions) and the amygdala. When tested for emotional reactivity, criminals with diagnostic antisocial traits showed little to no activity in frontal areas and high activity in the occipital lobe. This same reaction to neutral and emotional stimuli suggests that the disorder results from a frontal lobe deficit. This would explain the disinhibition exhibited by people with APD, as well as other traits, such as the inability to distinguish right from wrong (i.e. social norms, laws). The consequences of brain damage range from attention deficit to behavioral problems and low IQ (Kellerman, 1999). Head injuries can result from trauma to the head, attributed to child abuse (Kellerman, 1999). However, this study is not entirely comprehensive and requires further research. Biochemical abnormalities also explain the causality of APD, or at least some of its traits. Low levels of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and serotin (5-HT) are correlated with sensation-seeking tendencies prevalent in antisocial individuals (Marten, 2000). Elevated levels of hormones, such as testosterone, T3, and T4, as measured by the Revised Psychopathy Checklist, are also linked to APD-specific behaviors, such as gender and aggressiveness. In the author's opinion,..