Personality Disorders

What triggers personality disorders?

 Good question! In some individuals, the brain seems more susceptible for developing a Personality Disorder. There may be a genetic component, as the child of a parent with one of these disorders has a higher risk of developing a personality disorder themselves. In the case of Antisocial Personality Disorder (includes common terms of sociopath and psychopath), it also appears there needs to be an environmental cofactor or trigger to result in a dangerous form of the APD. The most common trigger in those with a higher risk is childhood abuse—often referred to in some studies as Adverse Childhood Experiences of ACEs. The incidence of severe Antisocial Personality Disorders is fairly rare, about 1 percent of the population. Those with an APD diagnosis or behavioral characteristics can be like a chameleon, exhibiting differing behaviors based on their environment.