Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The Most Comprehensive Online Library Regarding Mental Health, Psychology and Parapsychology in the World.

Understanding the characteristics of a Borderline Personality Disorder BPD:

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pattern of unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions. People with BPD often have difficulty regulating their emotions and experience intense and rapid mood shifts. It’s important to note that only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose BPD, and the information provided here is for educational purposes. The key characteristics of BPD include:

1. Emotional Instability: Individuals with BPD may experience intense and rapid mood swings, often triggered by seemingly minor events. Their emotions can be extreme, with intense episodes of anger, depression, anxiety, and irritability.
2. Unstable Relationships: People with BPD often struggle with maintaining stable and healthy relationships. They might have idealized views of others initially, but those perceptions can quickly shift to devaluation and hostility. A fear of abandonment can lead to intense efforts to avoid real or perceived rejection, which can sometimes lead to clingy or dependent behavior.
3. Distorted Self-Image: Individuals with BPD may have an unclear sense of self, leading to feelings of emptiness and identity confusion. They might experience rapid changes in self-identity, interests, goals, and values.
4. Impulsivity: BPD is often associated with impulsive behaviors, such as reckless spending, substance abuse, binge eating, risky sexual behaviors, and self-harm. These behaviors are often used as ways to cope with emotional distress.
5. Self-Destructive Behaviors: People with BPD may engage in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or burning, as a way to manage emotional pain. These behaviors are usually a result of intense emotional distress and are not typically suicidal attempts.
6. Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: Individuals with BPD often experience a persistent sense of emptiness and boredom, which can contribute to impulsive and self-destructive behaviors.
7. Intense Anger: People with BPD may have difficulty managing anger and may have frequent, intense outbursts of anger that are disproportionate to the situation.
8. Dissociation: Some individuals with BPD may experience episodes of dissociation, where they feel disconnected from themselves or their surroundings. This can lead to feelings of unreality or detachment.
9. Paranoia and Suspicion: Individuals with BPD might struggle with trusting others and may experience transient episodes of paranoia or suspiciousness.
10. Difficulty Managing Stress: Coping with stress and managing distressing emotions can be challenging for individuals with BPD. They might have trouble tolerating distress and may engage in impulsive behaviors to alleviate it.

It’s important to emphasize that people with BPD can experience these characteristics to varying degrees, and not all individuals with BPD will exhibit all of them. BPD is a complex and often misunderstood disorder, but with appropriate treatment and support, individuals can learn effective coping strategies and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.

Shervan K Shahhian

What does a Manic Episode looks like:

A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that lasts for at least one week (or less if hospitalization is necessary). Manic episodes are a key feature of bipolar disorder, specifically bipolar I disorder. During a manic episode, an individual’s behavior, thoughts, and emotions can be significantly affected. It’s important to note that not everyone experiences manic episodes in the same way, and the severity and symptoms can vary. Here are some common characteristics and behaviors associated with a manic episode:

1. Elevated Mood: Individuals may experience an intense and persistent feeling of euphoria, extreme happiness, or grandiosity. They may feel invincible, believe they have special powers, or have a heightened sense of self-importance.
2. Increased Energy and Activity: People in a manic episode often exhibit a surge in energy levels and engage in excessive physical and mental activities. They may feel the need to constantly move, talk rapidly, and engage in multiple tasks simultaneously.
3. Decreased Need for Sleep: A hallmark feature of manic episodes is a decreased need for sleep. Individuals might go for days with little to no sleep and still feel energized.
4. Racing Thoughts and Flight of Ideas: Thoughts can become rapid, disorganized, and difficult to control. Individuals may jump from one topic to another, making it hard to follow their conversation.
5. Impulsivity and Risky Behavior: During a manic episode, individuals may engage in impulsive and risky behaviors such as excessive spending, reckless driving, promiscuity, substance abuse, or making poor decisions without considering the consequences.
6. Distractibility: Individuals might have difficulty focusing or concentrating due to their racing thoughts and high levels of energy.
7. Irritability: While euphoria is a common mood during mania, some individuals may experience irritability, anger, or agitation instead.
8. Grandiose Ideas: People may have inflated self-esteem and believe they possess special abilities, such as being exceptionally talented or having a unique purpose in life.
9. Decreased Judgment: Impaired judgment and insight can lead to engaging in activities that are socially inappropriate, dangerous, or unrealistic.
10. Rapid Speech: Speech may be rapid, pressured, or difficult to interrupt, making conversations challenging to follow.
11. Psychosis: In severe cases, individuals may experience psychosis, characterized by delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (false perceptions), often related to their elevated mood.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a manic episode, especially if they are causing significant distress, impairment, or disruption to daily life. A qualified mental health professional can provide a proper diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Shervan K Shahhian

What do Schizophrenic episode looks like:

A schizophrenic episode, also known as a psychotic episode, is a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia, a complex and severe mental disorder. It is important to note that the experience of a schizophrenic episode can vary widely from person to person, and not all individuals with schizophrenia will have the same symptoms or experiences. Here are some common features that may be present during a schizophrenic episode:

1. Hallucinations: Individuals may experience sensory perceptions that are not based in reality. Auditory hallucinations, where the person hears voices or sounds that others don’t, are most common. Visual, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory hallucinations can also occur.
2. Delusions: People with schizophrenia often hold false and irrational beliefs that are resistant to reasoning or evidence. These beliefs can be paranoid (believing that others are plotting against them), grandiose (believing they have special powers or a unique identity), or bizarre (holding beliefs that are clearly implausible).
3. Disorganized Thinking and Speech: Thoughts may become disorganized, leading to difficulties in expressing coherent ideas or maintaining a logical flow of conversation. Speech may become tangential (going off-topic), incoherent, or marked by loose associations (jumping from one unrelated topic to another).
4. Disorganized or Abnormal Motor Behavior: This can manifest as a range of behaviors, including unpredictable or purposeless movements, unusual postures, agitation, catatonia (lack of movement or response), or excessive motor activity.
5. Negative Symptoms: These are disruptions to normal emotional and behavioral functioning and can include diminished emotional expression (flat affect), reduced motivation, social withdrawal, and diminished speech output (alogia).
6. Impaired Reality Testing: People experiencing a schizophrenic episode may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. They might become increasingly detached from reality.
7. Emotional Disturbances: Fluctuations in emotions, including inappropriate emotional responses or difficulty experiencing pleasure (anhedonia), may occur.
8. Cognitive Impairment: Many individuals with schizophrenia experience difficulties with attention, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving.

It’s important to note that these symptoms must be present for a significant portion of time and cause significant impairment in functioning to be considered part of a schizophrenic episode. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia or a psychotic episode, it is crucial to seek professional help from a mental health provider. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia.

Shervan K Shahhian

Please note that there is a connection between ASPD and Alcoholism, Substance Addiction:

Yes, there is a recognized connection between Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), alcoholism, and substance addiction. Antisocial Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a pattern of disregard for the rights of others, manipulation, deceit, impulsivity, and lack of empathy. Alcoholism and substance addiction involve the compulsive use of alcohol or drugs despite negative consequences.

Research and clinical observations suggest that there is an increased prevalence of antisocial behaviors, including substance abuse, among individuals with ASPD. Some of the ways in which these conditions may be connected include:

1. Shared Risk Factors: There are shared genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors that can contribute to both ASPD and substance addiction. These factors can include a history of childhood trauma, family history of addiction, and certain genetic predispositions.
2. Self-Medication: Individuals with ASPD may use alcohol and drugs as a way to cope with their impulsive and aggressive tendencies, alleviate feelings of boredom or restlessness, or manage emotional dysregulation.
3. Impulsivity: Both ASPD and substance addiction are associated with impulsivity and poor impulse control. This impulsivity can lead individuals to engage in risky behaviors, including substance abuse.
4. Social Environment: The social environment in which a person with ASPD lives may expose them to opportunities for substance abuse, especially if they associate with peers who also engage in substance use.
5. Neurobiological Factors: There may be overlapping neurobiological mechanisms involved in both ASPD and addiction, such as abnormalities in brain regions related to reward processing, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
6. Treatment Challenges: The presence of ASPD can complicate the treatment of alcoholism and substance addiction. Individuals with ASPD may be less responsive to traditional treatments and may require specialized interventions that address their unique personality traits and behavioral patterns.

It’s important to note that while there is a connection between ASPD, alcoholism, and substance addiction, not everyone with ASPD will develop substance abuse issues, and not everyone with substance addiction will have ASPD. Additionally, proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for addressing these complex conditions effectively. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these issues, it’s recommended to seek professional help from mental health and addiction specialists.

Shervan K Shahhian

Please remember that all diagnosed with ASPD may not be criminals or may not become criminals:

It is important to clarify that not all individuals diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) become criminals. While there is a higher prevalence of certain behavioral issues, including criminal behavior, among individuals with ASPD compared to the general population, it is a misconception to assume that all diagnosed individuals will engage in criminal activities.

ASPD is a mental health disorder characterized by patterns of disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, impulsivity, and manipulative behavior. While some individuals with ASPD may engage in criminal activities, many others may not necessarily break the law. It’s important to remember that individuals with ASPD, like those with any other mental health disorder, exist on a spectrum and can exhibit a wide range of behaviors.

Many individuals with ASPD may engage in non-criminal behaviors that can still be harmful to others or themselves, such as lying, manipulation, or interpersonal conflicts. It is also worth noting that some individuals with ASPD can benefit from therapy, treatment, and interventions that may help them manage their symptoms and behaviors.

In summary, while there may be an association between ASPD and criminal behavior in some cases, it is not accurate to assume that all individuals with ASPD will become criminals. Mental health is complex, and individual experiences and outcomes can vary widely.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding the differences between Psychopathy and ASPD:

Psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) are two closely related but distinct concepts in the field of psychology. Both involve traits and behaviors associated with a disregard for the rights and feelings of others, but there are differences between them. Here’s an overview:

Psychopathy:

Psychopathy is often considered a more specific and severe form of antisocial behavior. It is primarily characterized by a set of interpersonal, emotional, and behavioral traits. Psychopathy is typically assessed using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), which is a widely used diagnostic tool.

Key features of psychopathy include:

1. Superficial Charm: Psychopaths often exhibit a charming and charismatic demeanor, making it easier for them to manipulate and deceive others.
2. Lack of Empathy: They have a diminished capacity to understand or feel empathy or remorse for the pain they cause to others.
3. Grandiose Sense of Self: Psychopaths tend to have an inflated sense of self-worth and may exhibit narcissistic traits.
4. Impulsivity: They engage in impulsive behaviors without considering potential consequences.
5. Shallow Emotional Responses: Psychopaths have a limited range of emotional expression and may lack genuine emotional depth.
6. Cunning and Manipulativeness: They are skilled at manipulating others for their own gain.
7. Lack of Long-Term Goals: Psychopaths often have difficulty forming and sticking to long-term goals or commitments.
8. Antisocial Behavior: Psychopaths engage in a variety of antisocial behaviors, including lying, manipulation, and criminal activities.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD):

ASPD is a broader diagnostic category that encompasses a range of behaviors, including those associated with psychopathy. It is defined by a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, often accompanied by impulsivity and irresponsibility. ASPD is diagnosed using criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Key features of ASPD include:

1. Impulsivity: Individuals with ASPD may act on urges without considering the potential negative consequences.
2. Irresponsibility: They often fail to fulfill obligations, such as work or financial commitments.
3. Deceitfulness: People with ASPD may lie, manipulate, and deceive others for personal gain.
4. Aggressiveness: Aggressive behaviors, both physical and verbal, are common in individuals with ASPD.
5. Violation of Rights: They disregard the rights of others and may engage in criminal activities.

It’s important to note that while psychopathy is considered a subtype of ASPD, not all individuals with ASPD meet the criteria for psychopathy. Psychopathy is often viewed as a more severe and specific manifestation of antisocial behavior, characterized by a distinct set of personality traits. Both conditions are associated with challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships, maintaining steady employment, and adhering to societal norms.

Additionally, the terms “psychopathy” and “ASPD” are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, but within the field of psychology, they have distinct definitions and diagnostic criteria.

Shervan K Shahhian

Lets look into the Characteristics of Antisocial Personality Disorder:

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pattern of disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and a consistent violation of societal norms and rules. It is important to note that a qualified mental health professional is the only one who can provide an accurate diagnosis. Below are some of the key characteristics associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder:

Lack of Empathy: Individuals with ASPD often struggle to understand or care about the feelings and needs of others. They may have difficulty recognizing the emotional experiences of other people and may disregard the harm their actions cause to others.

Manipulative and Deceptive Behavior: People with ASPD tend to be skilled at manipulating others to achieve their own goals. They can be charming and persuasive, using lies and deceit to exploit or take advantage of others for personal gain.

Impulsivity: Impulsivity is a hallmark of ASPD. Individuals may act without considering the consequences of their actions, engaging in risky or harmful behaviors such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or criminal activities.

Persistent Violation of Social Norms: Those with ASPD consistently violate societal rules and norms. They may have a history of legal issues, disregard for authority figures, and repeated engagement in behaviors that could lead to arrest.

Irresponsibility: A lack of accountability and failure to fulfill obligations or commitments is common among individuals with ASPD. This may include neglecting work, relationships, financial responsibilities, and legal obligations.

Aggressiveness and Irritability: People with ASPD may display a tendency toward aggressive behavior, both verbally and physically. They may have a low tolerance for frustration, leading to angry outbursts or confrontations.

Lack of Remorse or Guilt: Individuals with ASPD often do not feel genuine remorse or guilt for their actions, even when they cause harm to others. They may rationalize their behavior or shift blame onto others.

Superficial Charm: Despite their negative traits, individuals with ASPD can be charismatic and charming, especially when trying to manipulate or deceive others. This charm can mask their true intentions and make it difficult for people to see through their facade.

Early Behavioral Problems: Signs of ASPD may be evident in childhood or adolescence, often manifesting as conduct disorder. A history of juvenile delinquency, cruelty to animals, and other antisocial behaviors may be present.

Inability to Maintain Stable Relationships: People with ASPD often struggle to establish and maintain healthy, lasting relationships. Their interpersonal relationships are marked by manipulation, exploitation, and a lack of emotional connection.

It’s important to note that not all individuals who exhibit some of these characteristics have ASPD. A proper diagnosis should be made by a qualified mental health professional based on a thorough assessment of the individual’s history, behavior, and psychological state. Treatment for ASPD can be challenging, as individuals with this disorder may not always see a need for change or may be resistant to therapy. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional help is recommended.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is the differences between Psychopaths and Sociopaths:
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​Psychopathy and sociopathy are terms often used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different manifestations of a similar set of personality traits and behaviors. It’s important to note that the field of psychology and psychiatry doesn’t always have clear-cut definitions for these terms, and there can be some debate and overlap. However, here are some general distinctions that have been discussed in the literature:

Psychopathy:

Innate Trait vs. Product of Environment: Psychopathy is often considered to have a more genetic or innate basis. It’s thought to be a personality disorder that is rooted in neurobiological and genetic factors. Psychopaths might have certain brain abnormalities that contribute to their lack of empathy and impulse control.

Emotional Detachment: Psychopaths typically display a remarkable lack of emotional depth and empathy. They might appear charming and charismatic on the surface, but they have difficulty forming genuine emotional connections with others.

Impulsivity: Psychopaths tend to be highly impulsive and have a disregard for consequences. This can lead to reckless behavior, such as criminal activities, without much thought about the potential negative outcomes.

Superficial Charm: Psychopaths often have a superficial charm and can be skilled at manipulating others for their own gain.

Criminal Behavior: While not all psychopaths are criminals, their lack of empathy and impulse control can lead them to engage in criminal activities.

Sociopathy:

​Environmental Influence: Sociopathy is often considered to be more of a product of environmental factors, such as childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse. It’s thought that certain life experiences can contribute to the development of sociopathic traits.

Erratic and Chaotic Behavior: Sociopaths may display more erratic and chaotic behavior compared to psychopaths. Their emotions can be volatile, leading to unpredictable actions.

Less Socially Skilled: Sociopaths might have difficulty forming and maintaining social relationships. They can struggle with understanding social norms and may have a harder time blending in with society.

Impulsive and Aggressive: Like psychopaths, sociopaths can be impulsive and have a tendency toward aggressive behavior. However, their impulsivity might stem more from emotional dysregulation.

Criminal Behavior: Sociopaths are also at an increased risk of engaging in criminal activities due to their impulsivity and emotional instability.

It’s worth noting that both psychopathy and sociopathy fall under the broader category of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is used by mental health professionals for diagnosing mental disorders. The terms “psychopath” and “sociopath” are not official diagnostic terms in the DSM-5 but are often used informally to describe individuals who exhibit certain patterns of behavior and personality traits.
​Shervan K Shahhian

Lets look into the Background and History of Antisocial Personality Disorder:

Certainly, let’s delve into the background and history of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).

Background: Antisocial Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of disregard for the rights and feelings of others, manipulation, deceit, impulsivity, irritability, and lack of empathy or remorse. People with ASPD often engage in behavior that is socially unacceptable, and they may have a history of legal and interpersonal difficulties.

Historical Overview: The concept of personality disorders has evolved over time, and the understanding of antisocial behavior has roots in both medical and psychological history.

Early Notions (19th Century): The early 19th century saw the emergence of moral insanity as a concept, which referred to individuals who displayed immoral or antisocial behavior without signs of intellectual impairment. The term “psychopathy” was introduced in the 19th century as well, initially describing a range of personality traits and behaviors, including criminal tendencies.

Early to Mid-20th Century: Psychopathy continued to be studied, and researchers attempted to identify the underlying factors contributing to the behavior. Dr. Hervey Cleckley’s 1941 book “The Mask of Sanity” laid the groundwork for understanding psychopathy. Cleckley described psychopaths as charming, intelligent individuals who lacked a sense of moral responsibility.

DSM Classification (20th Century): The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) began to classify personality disorders, including Antisocial Personality Disorder. In the DSM-II (1968), the term “Sociopathic Personality Disturbance” was used. The DSM-III (1980) introduced the term “Antisocial Personality Disorder” and established specific diagnostic criteria for the condition.

Research and Further Understanding: Throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, research into the biological, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to ASPD increased. Advances in neuroscience and brain imaging helped shed light on potential neurological differences in individuals with ASPD.

Controversies and Criticisms: The diagnosis and conceptualization of ASPD have faced criticism and debates. Some argue that the label may stigmatize individuals and not fully capture the complexity of their behaviors and experiences. Others debate the extent to which genetics versus environment influences the development of the disorder.

Treatment and Management: ASPD is challenging to treat, as individuals with the disorder often lack insight into their condition and may resist therapy. Approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have been explored, but results vary. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and reducing harmful behaviors.

It’s important to note that understanding of ASPD continues to evolve, and ongoing research contributes to a deeper grasp of its causes, manifestations, and potential interventions.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder and The DSM Axes:

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and a consistent violation of societal norms and rules. People with ASPD often exhibit manipulative and deceitful behaviors, a tendency towards impulsivity, irritability, and a lack of remorse for their actions. It’s important to note that a diagnosis of ASPD should be made by a qualified mental health professional based on a thorough assessment of the individual’s behavior and history.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a widely used classification system for mental health disorders. It provides criteria and guidelines for diagnosing various psychological conditions, including Antisocial Personality Disorder. The DSM-5, outlines the criteria for diagnosing ASPD as follows:

To be diagnosed with ASPD, an individual must meet certain criteria, including:

Impairment in Self-Functioning (Axis II):

Identity: Ego-centrism; self-esteem derived from personal gain, power, or pleasure.
Self-direction: Goal-setting is based on gaining personal profit, power, or pleasure.

Impairment in Interpersonal Functioning (Axis II):

Empathy: Lack of concern for feelings, needs, or suffering of others; absence of guilt or remorse for hurting others.
Intimacy: Incapacity for mutually intimate relationships; exploitation of others for personal gain.

Pathological Personality Traits (Axis II):

Antagonism: Manipulativeness, deceitfulness, callousness, hostility.
Disinhibition: Impulsivity, irresponsibility, risk-taking behaviors.

Stable and Pervasive Pattern (Axis II):

The pattern of behaviors described above must be stable and persistent over time, typically since adolescence or early adulthood.

It’s worth noting that the DSM-5 uses a dimensional approach, which means that a diagnosis may include a severity rating for each of the specific criteria.

Please remember that only a qualified mental health professional can make a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder or any other mental health condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, seeking professional help is important for accurate assessment and appropriate treatment.
​Shervan K Shahhian