The Effects of Antisocial Personality Disorder on Military Families Post-Deployment | Melanie Boling, Boling Expeditionary Research

The Effects of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Subclinical Antisocial Traits on Military Families Post-Deployment

Abstract

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and subclinical antisocial traits pose unique challenges to military families during the reintegration phase following deployment. These traits, characterized by impulsivity, lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and disregard for social norms, may be amplified by combat exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and substance use disorders (SUDs). This article synthesizes findings from neuroscience, clinical psychology, and military family research to examine how ASPD and related traits affect marital stability, parenting, and the overall psychosocial functioning of military households. Neurobiological evidence indicates alterations in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and neurotransmitter systems that underpin emotional dysregulation, risk-taking, and impaired moral reasoning. The paper outlines the distinct manifestations of clinical and subclinical antisocial tendencies, explores their interaction with post-deployment stressors, and recommends targeted screening, psychoeducation, and family-centered interventions to mitigate negative outcomes.

1. Introduction

The post-deployment period is a critical transition for military families, involving both reunion and renegotiation of family roles. While most service members reintegrate successfully, a subset return exhibiting behaviors consistent with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) or subclinical antisocial traits. These may manifest as irritability, aggression, deceit, coercive control, or chronic irresponsibility. In the context of military families, such behaviors can exacerbate marital discord, impair co-parenting, and contribute to cycles of emotional or financial instability.

2. Neurobiological Underpinnings of ASPD

Research has consistently linked ASPD to structural and functional brain differences:

  • Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) Dysfunction – Reduced gray matter volume and hypoactivity in the ventromedial and orbitofrontal PFC impair decision-making, moral reasoning, and impulse control (Yang & Raine, 2009).

  • Amygdala Hypoactivity – Blunted amygdala responses to emotional stimuli diminish empathy and fear conditioning, facilitating risk-taking and callousness (Glenn & Raine, 2014).

  • Neurotransmitter Dysregulation – Altered serotonergic and dopaminergic signaling is linked to impulsivity, aggression, and reinforcement-seeking behaviors (Buckholtz et al., 2010).

  • Neuroendocrine Alterations – Dysregulated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity may blunt stress responsiveness, reinforcing emotional detachment.

Combat exposure and blast-related TBI can exacerbate these vulnerabilities, leading to heightened aggression and diminished executive control.

3. Clinical vs. Subclinical ASPD

Clinical ASPD meets full DSM-5 criteria, with pervasive patterns of deceit, aggression, disregard for others’ rights, and lack of remorse beginning in adolescence.

Subclinical antisocial traits may not meet diagnostic thresholds but still include manipulativeness, impulsivity, and diminished empathy. These traits can be situationally activated under high stress — such as post-deployment reintegration — and may still cause significant relational harm.

4. Post-Deployment Manifestations

Military personnel with antisocial tendencies may exhibit:

  • Interpersonal Aggression – Increased verbal or physical hostility toward partners or children.

  • Coercive Control – Monitoring, isolation, or intimidation of family members.

  • Financial Exploitation – Mismanagement of family finances, gambling, or reckless spending.

  • Infidelity and Sexual Risk-Taking – Heightened by impulsivity and reduced risk perception.

  • Neglect of Family Responsibilities – Prioritizing personal gratification over household needs.

5. Impact on Military Families

5.1 Marital and Partner Relationships

ASPD traits undermine trust, communication, and shared problem-solving. Spouses may experience emotional abuse, social isolation, and financial instability. The cycle of charm, exploitation, and discard often mirrors patterns seen in civilian ASPD relationships but is intensified by deployment-related disruptions.

5.2 Parenting and Child Outcomes

Children in these households may be exposed to inconsistent discipline, emotional unavailability, or modeling of aggressive behavior. Longitudinal studies link parental antisocial traits to increased risk of conduct problems, anxiety, and insecure attachment in offspring.

6. Interaction with Co-Occurring Conditions

Post-deployment ASPD traits often co-occur with:

  • PTSD – Hyperarousal and emotional numbing can compound antisocial behaviors.

  • TBI – Damage to frontal lobes increases impulsivity and aggression.

  • SUDs – Substance misuse exacerbates disinhibition and volatility.

These comorbidities can create complex clinical pictures, where antisocial behaviors are misattributed solely to combat stress.

7. Policy and Intervention Recommendations

  • Pre- and Post-Deployment Screening for antisocial traits using validated personality assessments.

  • Psychoeducation for spouses to recognize patterns and seek support early.

  • Integrated Treatment Models combining cognitive-behavioral interventions with trauma-informed care.

  • Family-Centered Interventions to stabilize the household and protect children’s wellbeing.

  • Command-Level Training to identify red flags and refer service members to behavioral health resources.

8. Conclusion

ASPD and subclinical antisocial traits present a serious but often underrecognized challenge in military family reintegration. Their neurobiological and behavioral characteristics — when amplified by deployment stressors, PTSD, TBI, or SUD — can erode family stability, harm children’s development, and undermine long-term wellbeing. Proactive screening, early intervention, and coordinated family support can reduce harm and promote resilience in the post-deployment transition.

References

  • Buckholtz, J. W., Treadway, M. T., Cowan, R. L., et al. (2010). Dopaminergic network differences in human impulsivity. Science, 329(5991), 532.

  • Glenn, A. L., & Raine, A. (2014). Neurocriminology: Implications for the punishment, prediction and prevention of criminal behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(1), 54-63.

  • Yang, Y., & Raine, A. (2009). Prefrontal structural and functional brain imaging findings in antisocial, violent, and psychopathic individuals: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 174(2), 81-88.