| Alcoholism & Anti-Social
Personality Disorder
Question:
My
significant other of 7 years has reciently been diagnosed with "anitsocial
personality disorder with schiziod feature". I had been hoping
for years it was "just the alchol", he had been sober 6 months
before the diagnosis. His doctor is talking possible schizophrinia, but
doesn't want to make a diagnosis yet. My reseach about antisocial
personality disorder makes me think I have been lucky so far in not being
physically abused (mentally I am spent, but my research says that's
probably normal for a co-dependant like me :-).) Are people with
this disorder able to have "healthy" relationships? Or was
the good stuff in the begininng probably all I get? Should I be
affraid of him? I feel as long as I stay he won't flip out, but I
know if I leave all hell will break loose. I have been supporting
him for 3 years and he is basically non functionin.
Any advice?
bunciousb
Response:
Hello Bunciousb
It is not uncommon that many mask the underlying psychiatric disorders
with alcohol use in an attempt to 'self-medicate' their pain. These
problems then become apparent when one quits the alcohol use. Personality
Disorders are very difficult to treat and change, some experts believe
that they never change. The severity of the disorder would make a
difference in its manageability. If your boyfriend is open to seeing
what his problem is and willing to work on making the necessary changes...
then it is a workable situation. As far as violence is concerned,
some are violent in anger and some may not be... each person's pattern of
behavior will show what his tendency is.
Questions for you to consider are: How much of this mental tension you can
live with? Have you discussed the 'boundaries' of
acceptable/unacceptable behaviors in the relationship (eg: no-violence
acceptable). Are you clear in your mind as to what will be the 'last
straw' that will make you leave this relationship?
It always help to examine where one stands with these situations.
Regards
Uzma Mazhar
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