IndexSummaryThe Etiology of Antisocial Personality DisorderLiterature ReviewConclusionSummaryThe etiology of Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) is related to a myriad of factors without a definite certainty as to which is prevalent. This study was conducted to demonstrate that both 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 from which they obtained information are adoption, especially of twins, statistics and previously conducted studies. In this study, every factor related to the possible cause was analyzed: (1) genetic, (2) biological, (3) environmental and (4) psychological. The conclusion reached was that further research is needed to explain where nature and cultural factors begin and end in the development of APD. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Etiology of Antisocial Personality DisorderCommonly known as psychopathy or sociopathy, antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a disorder defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) as “a pervasive pattern of contempt for and violation of 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 Rather than withdrawn, an individual diagnosed with APD displays erratic behavior (e.g., impulsive, violent, or criminal). Other diagnostic traits or signs include pathological lying, recklessness, irresponsibility, and lack of empathy (Schacter, 2013). In order to be diagnosed, a person must meet these and other required criteria listed in the DSM-5. Adults diagnosed with the disorder are repeatedly described as uncaring, emotionless, manipulative, or cruel due to their ruthlessness in harming others, whether physically, emotionally, or financially. Approximately 3.6% of the population has APD, as taken from Grant et al. (Scharter, 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 aspects of psychopathy have received extensive empirical investigation, concurrent research exploring their genetic and environmental bases is lacking” (Blonigen, 2005). Psychologists have sought the answer by examining children, particularly adolescent males, who exhibit early behavioral disorders and criminals already diagnosed with APD. However, there is no consensus on a single factor that directly causes APD. Rather, the goal of this article is to show that both nature and nurture play a role in causing 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 relatives, are therefore more at risk than the general population (DSM-5, 2005, Martens, 2000). It is common to find these children following in the footsteps of their unstable fathers or mothers. Genetic theorists argue that these children inherit the parent's maladaptive traits, whether interpersonal or impulsive traits (Kellerman, 1999). However, behavioral problems can occur even without the presence of the psychopathic parent in the home (Martens, 2000). OthersGenetic factors include predisposition to trauma and substance abuse. Willem Martens (2000) theorized in an article he wrote that drug users are an at-risk group because they share the same genetic traits as those diagnosed with APD. Jonathan Kellerman adds this insight regarding drugs and antisocial individuals: “Indeed, drugs play a role on both sides – as cause and effect – because in addition to satisfying pleasure drives, psychoactive chemicals reduce inhibition, facilitating risky, reckless, sometimes psychopathic behavior” (1999 ). Furthermore, substance abuse disorder and APD have a long history of comorbidity. Other personality disorders, particularly schizophrenia, serve as negative predictors of APD (Martens, 2000). There is a significant amount of data linking biological factors to the cause of APD. One such factor is the correlation between adverse effects on prenatal development and APD. Grete L. Bibring studied the psychology of pregnancy and observed that “we were becoming increasingly aware of the high percentage of various forms of pathology in children, associated with disorders of the mother” (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, particularly APD (Schacter, 2013). Teratogens, such as alcohol and drugs, can cause brain damage and learning difficulties, which in turn also become precursors to personality disorders. Kellerman lists further aspects, including "birth complications, prematurity and postnatal damage" (1999). Studies of brain structure abnormalities and lesions show a clear 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, offenders with diagnostic antisocial traits showed little or no activity in frontal areas and high activity in the occipital lobe. This same reaction to both neutral and emotional stimuli suggests that the disorder is the result of a deficit in the frontal lobe. This would explain the disinhibition shown by those diagnosed with APD, along with other traits, such as the inability to distinguish right from wrong (e.g. social norms, laws). The results of brain damage range from attention deficit, conduct disordered behavior, and low IQ (Kellerman, 1999). Head injury can result from head trauma, attributed to child abuse (Kellerman, 1999). However, this study is not entirely complete and needs further research. Biochemical abnormalities also represent the cause of APD, or at least some of its traits. Low levels of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and serotonin (5-HT) are correlated with sensation-seeking tendencies prevalent in antisocial people (Marten, 2000). Elevated levels of hormones, such as testosterone, T3, and T4, as measured by the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, are also linked to APD-specific behaviors, such as sex and aggression. According to the author, more research is needed on how chemical and hormonal imbalances create pathological underarousal. In addition to genetic and biological factors, the influence of environmental and psychological factors must be considered. Aspects of environmental factors that are associated with the cause of APD are social factors, such as poverty, school failure, an abusive or neglectful family, poor peer and class relationships. These are the origins of stress that..