Thanks to the Internet, we can start yet another mental health discussion. Shane Dawson’s recent Youtube documentary series featuring Jake Paul and “sociopaths” stirs cautionary responses from critics who claim Dawson is dramatizing mental health.

Over the course of the series, Dawson analyzes the career of Jake Paul, the drama that surrounds Paul’s family and work life, and attempts to determine whether or not the starring YouTuber fits on the spectrum for Antisocial Personality Disorder.

To best understand why Dawson’s documentary has received such backlash, it is first necessary to understand the personality disorder being discussed and the stigma that surrounds it.

Due to the severity of Antisocial Personality Disorder, it cannot be diagnosed until a patient has reached the age of 18. However, youth under the age of 18 have been known to show symptoms of this personality disorder. Many times, it is diagnosed as early as Conduct Disorder, a mental disorder characterized by repetitive and persistent antisocial behaviors.

“A youth showing early signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder can be characterized as ‘charming and deceitful; they illustrate a continuous lack of remorse as they cause harm or negatively affect others,” states Jacqueline Sullivan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

A student who does not meet the diagnosis but find themselves beginning to demonstrate symptoms of this personality disorder may frequently find themselves in trouble. They might have frequent suspensions, expulsions and/or run-ins with the law. They will apologize and appear remorseful if it is in their best interest — if it will allow them to continue playing sports, hanging out with friends, and/or save their reputation. However, they do not appear to care about the repercussions.

Antisocial personality disorder is extremely difficult to diagnose and repetitive behaviors are key in diagnosis. According to Psychology Today, most diagnosed cases of ASPD can be found within the prison population; only three percent of men and one percent of women are affected outside the prison population.

Treatment of this personality disorder cannot be effectively measured, but prison group therapy and motivational interviewing are said to be successful in relieving symptoms.

Mental health, Antisocial Personality Disorder in particular, is surrounded by a fair amount of stigma within society.

“Antisocial Personality Disorder receives a lot of bad media. I believe we should hold a more compassionate view of mental illness,” Sullivan emphasizes.