What+Causes+It?

= = flat = = Looking at Lisa’s case through a mixed lens of Relational and Traditional Psychodynamic Theories is useful as these approaches highlight the interpersonal difficulties she experiences and provide a tangible framework for understanding the origins and maintenance of her addiction. According to Psychodynamic Theory, addiction is a maladaptive coping mechanism people use in order to suppress unresolved conflict. The addictive behaviour is a symptom of underlying psychological or emotional difficulties. It is likely that Lisa experienced early childhood stressors or traumas, which precipitated her addictive behaviours.

= **__Why Are Some Individuals Like This__?** = There are several theories about the cause of Antisocial Personality Disorder. Among the most common, some theories view psychopathy as the result of genetic or biological factors, while other theories believe it occurs entirely from a negative and defective early social environment (Hare, 1994). Essentially, what it comes down to is the Nature vs. Nurture debate.

Research also suggest that ASPD can result from a complex blend of biological and social factors (Hare, 1994). Unfortunately, most psychopaths display "serious behavioural problems starting from an early age" such as "constant lying, cheating, theft, arson, truancy, substance abuse, vandalism and sexuality" (Hare, 1994).

= **__Biological Factors__** = According to Miller (2000), some people may be genetically predisposed and vulnerable to psychopathy as one study showed that antisocial personality is common in the fathers of both men and women sociopaths. Similarly, Miller (2000) found that the matching rate for sociopathy in identical twins was basically 50% which is 3 times higher than fraternal twins. Likewise, adoption studies found that a high proportion of adopted children with criminal records have biological fathers with a criminal record (Miller, 2000). Furthermore, research suggest that a high rate of antisocial personality run in families of alcoholics and opiate addictions (Miller, 2000).


 * **Biological abnormalities and brain function**[[image:http://www.enciclopedia.com.pt/images/receptors.jpg width="297" height="244" align="right"]]
 * Brain scans show lower than average activity in the frontal lobes which is the region of the brain that governs judgement, planning and decision-making (Miller, 2001).
 * People who suffer a serious injury to the frontal lobes may develop some features of antisocial personality (Miller, 2001).
 * One common research finding is that of a weak stress response in the autonomic nervous system in addition to a weak startle reflex in response to distress cues (Miller, 2001).


 * **Serotonin levels**
 * Conduct disorder (in boys) and impulsive aggression (in men) are correlated with lower than average levels of serotonin (Miller, 2001).
 * Hence, drugs that enhance serotonin levels seem to lower the risk for some impulsive acts of violence (Miller, 2001). For example, Prozac.

= **__Environmental Factors__** = Many children with conduct disorders are raised in a chaotic and destructive environment (Miller, 2000).

For example, there may be constant family conflict, lack of parental supervision, parents who are addicts/alcoholics, mothers who are hostile, fathers who abandon the family or impose brutal inconsistent discipline (Miller, 2000).

Conduct disorder and ASPD by kids and youths are more likely to occur where there are few legitimate opportunities or rewards for socially acceptable behaviour (Miller, 2000).

Based on the research presented, it seems as though the influence of heredity, brain abnormalities, trauma, upbringing and social environments are all contributing factors for the risk of developing antisocial personality disorders.