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Warning-sign checks

Antisocial personality disorder: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    If harm appears immediate, contact local emergency services or go to an emergency department.

    Move away from weapons or other means of harm if this can be done safely.

    A person who may become violent should not be confronted alone.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    A clinician should also be contacted promptly if medication causes troubling side effects or if the person is at increasing risk of losing housing, work, or essential support.

    Urgent assessment is needed when someone has thoughts of suicide, feels unable to control violent behavior, makes a credible threat to harm another person, experiences severe intoxication or withdrawal, or develops hallucinations, severe confusion, or extreme agitation.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may include reviewing treatment goals, therapy attendance, substance use, medication for other conditions, physical health, and practical concerns.

    Progress may be gradual and is often measured by changes in behavior and functioning rather than by personality traits disappearing.

    It is appropriate to arrange an earlier appointment if anger, impulsivity, substance use, depression, or relationship conflict is getting worse.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Antisocial personality disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.