While people with anti-social personality disorder (ASPD) may not experience loneliness in the same way as individuals without the disorder, they can still feel a sense of isolation or disconnection from others. The core features of ASPD include a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, a lack of empathy, and a tendency to manipulate and exploit others for personal gain.
Individuals with ASPD may have difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful and genuine emotional connections with others. They often struggle with understanding or valuing the feelings and needs of others, which can lead to difficulties in forming close relationships. As a result, they may feel a sense of social isolation or detachment from the people around them.
While they may not experience loneliness in the typical emotional sense, they may still desire companionship, especially if it serves their personal interests or needs. However, their interpersonal relationships are often shallow and superficial, lacking the depth and emotional intimacy that most people seek in close connections.
It's important to remember that each person's experience with ASPD can vary, and not all individuals with this disorder will have the same feelings or behaviors. Additionally, there can be comorbid conditions or other factors that influence how loneliness or isolation is experienced by someone with ASPD. As with any mental health condition, understanding and addressing the complexities require the expertise of mental health professionals.