The exact cause of the onset of antisocial personality disorder is not known. But genetic factors may put people at increased risk of developing antisocial personality disorder.
For example, if someone has a family member with antisocial personality disorder, that person is more likely to develop the disorder.
In addition to genes affecting the onset of the disorder, defects and damage to the brain during brain development, resulting in changes to normal brain function, may also increase the risk of developing antisocial personality disorder.
In addition, the environment can also have a significant impact on the onset of antisocial personality disorder. Research has shown that antisocial personality disorder is associated with factors such as low socioeconomic status. Individuals who have experienced abuse or disregard in childhood are more likely to suffer from antisocial personality disorder as adults.