Causes
Like many other mental health conditions, there’s no exact cause for ASPD. However, experts believe that there are factors that may make a person more likely to develop the condition.
Genetics may play a role in the development of antisocial personality disorder. Various studies have estimated that heritability for this condition ranges anywhere from 38% to 69%Trusted Source. This means that if you have a family history of conduct disorder or ASPD, you might have a greater chance of also having the condition.
Environmental factors might also contribute to the development of ASPD. Some environmental factors that may significantly influence ASPD include adverse childhood experiences, such as physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Other environmental influences may include malnutrition, fetal exposure to smoking or alcohol, and having a parent with a substance use disorder.
Having childhood conduct disorder is also often predictive for ASPD.
Some research points to biological factors. Evidence suggests that the 2p12 region of chromosome 2 and a variation in a gene called the arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A) might contribute to ASPD. The AVPR1A gene is said to regulate a range of behaviors, including social bonding, stress management, and territorial aggression.
EvidenceTrusted Source also points to variations in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) — a gene that has an impact on social behavior and attachment — as a possible contributor to the range of behaviors common in ASPD.
There’s still much to be learned about the causes of ASPD. Researchers are still trying to understand the condition and why some people get it when others don’t.
Like many other mental health conditions, there’s no exact cause for ASPD. However, experts believe that there are factors that may make a person more likely to develop the condition.
Genetics may play a role in the development of antisocial personality disorder. Various studies have estimated that heritability for this condition ranges anywhere from 38% to 69%Trusted Source. This means that if you have a family history of conduct disorder or ASPD, you might have a greater chance of also having the condition.
Environmental factors might also contribute to the development of ASPD. Some environmental factors that may significantly influence ASPD include adverse childhood experiences, such as physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Other environmental influences may include malnutrition, fetal exposure to smoking or alcohol, and having a parent with a substance use disorder.
Having childhood conduct disorder is also often predictive for ASPD.
Some research points to biological factors. Evidence suggests that the 2p12 region of chromosome 2 and a variation in a gene called the arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A) might contribute to ASPD. The AVPR1A gene is said to regulate a range of behaviors, including social bonding, stress management, and territorial aggression.
EvidenceTrusted Source also points to variations in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) — a gene that has an impact on social behavior and attachment — as a possible contributor to the range of behaviors common in ASPD.
There’s still much to be learned about the causes of ASPD. Researchers are still trying to understand the condition and why some people get it when others don’t.