Antisocial Personality Disorder Treatment in Beautiful Malaysia
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a condition that affects a young person’s ability to understand right from wrong or empathise with other people’s feelings. We understand how tough this can be – people don’t choose their condition. It can often lead to misunderstandings, relationship problems, and errors of judgment. Seeing a loved one struggle with ASPD can be hugely distressing, but know that it isn’t you or your child’s fault.
Also known as sociopathy, ASPD is only usually diagnosed after a young person turns 18, as personalities are still developing up until this age. When ASPD behaviors appear before adulthood, a diagnosis of conduct disorder is usually given.
ASPD can make it difficult and challenging for young people to behave ‘normally’ in everyday interactions and activities. They may struggle with aspects of daily living, abuse substances, or break the law. It can be a disruptive condition that alienates the sufferer, causes isolation and depression, and wreaks havoc on a person’s life.
If a teen or young adult suffers from ASPD, we believe they deserve compassionate treatment. No young person should be left behind and At The Wave, we provide a wide range of treatments and support for both the young person and their family to enable them to live their life to the fullest. Age or background should never be a barrier to recovery.
We are here to help
The Wave Antisocial Personality Disorder Team can be contacted on:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Wave Clinic: Specialists in Antisocial Personality Disorders
+60 327 271 799 (General Enquiries)
+60 125 227 734 (Admissions)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Wave International Group LLC
+971 438 354 01
What Is It and How Does It Work?
Treatment for Antisocial Personality Disorder
ASPD can be difficult to treat, especially as a young person might not accept that they need treatment. We don’t believe in making people feel forced into help – we know the value of communicating the need for care and how it can benefit young people. With the support of our expert clinicians and psychiatrists, symptoms can be managed.
At The Wave, we provide the very best care in the form of tailor-made treatment plans. Before treatment is provided, our team of specialists assess each young person’s condition to decide the best course of action for them, with weekly reviews made and reports sent out to caregivers. These plans are fully flexible and will adapt to suit each young person as their needs change and develop.
Laying the groundwork for a bright life after recovery
The Seven Core Elements of Treatment
At The Wave, our treatment programs are built on seven elements, each designed to nurture young people in all areas of their personal development. ASPD may be a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean young people can’t go on to achieve their dreams and lead fulfilling lives. Often misunderstood by others, those struggling with ASPD usually don’t get the adequate support and compassion they need to work through their condition and develop healthy habits.
Each of the seven elements will help young people rebuild their confidence and independence, equipping them with a firm education and opportunities to give back – setting them up for their life outside our clinic.
The seven elements include:
ASPD is a complex condition, and sometimes those struggling with it don’t fully understand their own condition either. So many myths are perpetuated about ASPD, so part of our treatment program aims to equip them with proper knowledge about their condition. By learning more about ASPD, they’ll be able to identify triggers and the things they should steer clear of.
ASPD can also make dealing with emotions a lot more difficult. Young people often feel angry and aggressive, and bottling up those emotions will only do more harm than good. That’s why we provide a range of clinical therapies designed to help them open up in a safe and stable space.
Some of the clinical therapies we offer include:
- Psychotherapy
- One-to-one therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
As well as helping them work through their condition, therapy will give them a chance to become more introspective and self-aware. Young people who suffer from ASPD often struggle relating to others and feeling a sense of empathy, so developing these skills will help them form better relationships once they return home.
Although there is no set cure for ASPD, medical treatment is often necessary for young people living with the disorder. Depending on a young person’s needs, medication can include antipsychotics for violent behaviour and aggression or mood stabilisers to help them better deal with emotions. Antidepressants might also be necessary if depression appears alongside ASPD.
At The Wave, we understand that every person is unique and that no two cases of ASPD will be the same. What affects one person may not affect the other, which is why we always develop personalized treatment programs. We will assess each young person’s medical and psychological history carefully, catering their medical treatment to their specific needs.
Our resident medical director is responsible for the medical treatment plans of our young people. If medication is prescribed, constant monitoring and evaluation can be expected. Where appropriate, young people and their caregivers will be consulted before any changes in medication are made.
We firmly believe that no young person should be left behind, and that’s why one of our seven elements is education. ASPD can make it difficult for young people to feel like they belong at school, which can have a direct impact on their learning. Just because ASPD is a lifelong condition, doesn’t mean young people can’t achieve all their dreams. They just need support, care, and compassion.
Every young person has so much ahead of them, and we’re here to help them see their potential and realise their dreams. Alongside therapy and medical treatment, we provide a range of educational opportunities designed to bolster a young person’s confidence and skills for life outside of our clinic. Whatever their dream is, we’re here to help arm them with the tools needed to achieve it.
Some of the educational pathways we offer include:
- International GAP-year experiences
- Continuation of GCSEs and A-Levels
- Vocational courses (London School of Art, Royal Horticultural Society, Leith’s School of Cookery, and The British Horse Society)
Each young person will have their own personal learning plan (PLP) to help them stick to their goals and set the foundations for a solid future.
True recovery doesn’t happen through talking and support alone; it happens through action. This is a philosophy that we’ve instilled deeply into our treatment approach and one of the reasons why we created our global citizenship programme. During this programme, young people will have a chance to take part in volunteering opportunities and give back to the community.
ASPD can often make it difficult for young people to relate to others and feel a sense of empathy – this, in turn, can have a direct impact on the way they build relationships. With our global citizenship program, they’ll not only learn how to develop friendships and bonds, but they’ll also learn valuable skills like teamwork and the importance of helping others.
We believe it’s just as important to develop inner resources and tools that can be used to lay a solid foundation for lasting wellness and success. With our outside-inside approach, young people have the opportunity to grow and develop a bank of skills that can be used in their future. All these strategies can be used in times of stress, helping them develop healthy behaviors that can aid them in moments of anger or aggression.
We combine a range of creative and holistic treatments into each of our young person’s treatment plans, including:
- Education on the food and body groups
- Mindful movement
- Tension, stress, and trauma release (TRE)
- Reiki
- Eating disorder informed yoga
- Education on nourishment and healthy eating
- Journalling and reflective writing
- Team sports and group challenges
Young people living with ASPD might be used to putting their health and wellness on the backburner, but our outside/inside approach will help equip them with the resources needed to rebuild their health and help them understand what they can do to bring a little bit of peace to their everyday life.
As ASPD is a complex illness, those struggling often benefit from a range of activity-based treatments alongside medical and psychiatric care. Unlike talking therapy, which can be difficult for young people to engage in, activity-based physical, fun, and engaging experiences can offer a natural rush of endorphins, a sense of community spirit, and help develop confidence, morale, and a sense of community.
Not only are these experiences fun, but they help them develop transferable skills that can be used once they return home. They’ll be better able to navigate relationships, build up empathy, and connect with others in a range of environments and social situations.
Like many other disorders, ASPD can be isolating. Activity is a great way to combat this feeling. This is why we believe in activity-based treatment and experiences as part of our unique holistic treatment programme at The Wave. Our young people can get involved in anything from Muay Thai to baking as part of their treatment.
ASPD doesn’t have to rob a young person of their potential. They’ve got so much ahead of them, and we’re keen to help them realise their dreams and ambitions, giving them the tools and resources to set the cogs into motion.
Our dedicated care team works with each young person to develop an ongoing plan that will help ease them back into everyday life and transition healthily. We know that leaving behind the security and familiarity of treatment can be a little daunting, but we’re here to help each young person develop a set of goals and plans to work towards their future with confidence.
Having some kind of purpose when they leave our clinic will help set them up for their future, no matter what environment or interactions they come up against. With a renewed sense of hope and inspiration, they’ll be more likely to stick to their goals and go on to lead a fulfilling life.
“I came to The Wave about 2 ½ years ago, and I can’t speak highly enough about their service, support, and love I received (and still do) from the team. They have helped me build stable foundations for a life that now feels worth living. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their amazing help, and I am lucky enough to call them my family.”
Antisocial Personality Disorder Treatment Options
Treatment to help Antisocial Personality Disorder
We offer a range of bespoke treatment options to help young people experiencing ASPD including:
Family Therapy
When a young person exhibits dangerous and self-sabotaging behaviours, it can be a scary and distressing experience for the whole family. Unfortunately, it can affect family bonds and relationships between family members.
As families play a central role in a young person’s recovery, we offer as much support for families as possible. Often, this support includes family therapy. Here, everyone can have their say, process what has happened and start to heal. Family therapy also offers a wide range of knowledge and advice required to move forward and collectively support the young person in their recovery journey.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a great way for young people to express themselves in a healthy and productive way. Especially beneficial for young people who aren’t ready to open up in talk therapy or engage in self-harm, art therapy gives them a chance to let go of their negative thoughts and feelings and take part in a mindful therapeutic activity.
Our young people are also given the chance to join the London School of Art twelve-week course, which takes place on a Saturday morning, if they want to take their passion for art further, develop new skills, or join a new community.
Individual Psychotherapy
Teenagers and young people diagnosed with ASPD often require one-to-one therapy to help them overcome barriers and learn how to navigate the challenges of living with their disorder. Individual psychotherapy will help them better understand their condition, triggers, and what they can do to manage their feelings and emotions.
Young people with ASPD tend to believe they don’t need help, and they might have entered our facility with reluctance. A psychotherapist can talk to young people, help them open up about their feelings, and allow them to feel heard. Although confidential, any talk of suicide or self-harm will be noted for their safety.
Frequently asked questions
Antisocial Personality Disorder FAQ's
It is not possible to say for certain what causes ASPD to develop. However, there are some common genetic and environmental risks. Studies have found genetic links to ASPD, such as genes that affect a person’s oxytocin receptors, although no single gene is responsible for the disorder.
Young people whose parents have a psychotic disorder or ADHD are more likely to develop ASPD. Young people who experience childhood trauma such as abuse or neglect are also at greater risk of developing an ASPD. Other environmental risk factors include poor discipline, parents with substance abuse, dysfunctional families, and poverty.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for ASPD. However, a combination of medication and therapy can help a young person manage behaviours that arise.
There is no physical test to diagnose ASPD – only a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist can diagnose it if a young person meets specific criteria, such as being over 18 and displaying symptoms. A professional will also look at a young person’s physiological and psychological state, history, and behavioural symptoms before deciding on a diagnosis.
If a young person suffers from an ASPD, securing medical treatment at The Wave is in their best interest.
The Wave has provided me with the ability to feel calm with the secure feeling that they are a team of professionals who know exact what my daughter needs. It has not been easy and continues to be a challenging journey.
The consistent communication through WhatsApp, phone calls, in-person and virtual family therapy sessions and weekly report have made being halfway across the world feel as if I am as part of my daughter’s treatment as I possibly can.
I had a great experience when I was on The Wave. It was one of the best experiences in my life. I enjoy all the sessions conducted by the team. I never had a chance to speak in group, specially with friends from other countries before.
It opens my eyes and gives me a new knowledge and experience to be a better person.
It opens my eyes and gives me a new knowledge and experience to be a better person.
