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Severe (psychopathic) personality disorder: a review
1Midlands Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice, Dept of Social Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire.
Medicine, Science, and the Law
|August 17, 2006
Summary
This review examines severe psychopathic personality disorder, its causes, and management, particularly concerning public safety. It highlights the challenges in defining and legally labeling this complex condition.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Legal Medicine
Background:
- Governmental concern regarding dangerous individuals exhibiting severe psychopathic disorder.
- Historical and legal context of the term 'psychopathic disorder' in the UK.
- Distinction between individuals within the criminal justice/mental health systems and those not officially recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept, causes, and management of severe psychopathic personality disorder.
- To address the complexities of labeling and defining psychopathic disorder.
- To contextualize the discussion within current public and governmental concerns.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis.
- Examination of historical legislative definitions (e.g., Mental Health Act 1959).
- Discussion of clinical versus legal interpretations of psychopathy.
Main Results:
- The term 'psychopathic disorder' lacks a precise clinical definition and has a complex legal history.
- Challenges exist in accurately labeling and diagnosing individuals with severe psychopathy.
- Individuals exhibiting psychopathic traits are present in both forensic and non-forensic populations.
Conclusions:
- Severe psychopathic personality disorder presents significant challenges in definition, diagnosis, and management.
- The legal and clinical understanding of psychopathy requires careful consideration.
- Further research is needed to understand the spectrum of psychopathic traits and their societal impact.