Psychopathy: Antisocial personality disorder and Dyssocial personality disorder

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

6 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

04/24/2009

Category :

Social studies

Sub category :

Psychology

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Summary :

Abstract
Psychopathy
1. History
2. Diagnosis and assessment
3. Prevalence
4. Etiology
5. Response to treatment
Further research and issues of concern
Conclusions
References

Abstract

psychopathy is one of the oldest forms of personality disorder, but it remains to be one of the least understood by both researchers and clinicians. The aim of this paper is to review the published literature on psychopathy as defined both in antisocial personality disorder and dyssocial personality disorder. The focus will be on the definition and history of the disorder, its etiology, prevalence, and treatment. Limitations of the current research and areas of future understanding are highlighted and explored in order to direct the future understanding of the topic.Literally translated as the "disease of the mind," psychopathy has had a variety of meanings over the past century. The term originally referred to mental disorders in general, but in the 19th and early 20th century it was used to describe various types of disorders that ranged from the general disintegration or deterioration of mental functions to more specific impairments of emotion, and intellect (Berrios, 1996). Current research characterizes psychopathy as a specific form of personality disorder with a distinctive pattern of interpersonal, affective and behavioral symptoms (Hare, 1996). In interpersonal relationships, psychopaths are seen as grandiose, arrogant, callous, superficial, and manipulative. In affect they are short-tempered, unable to form strong emotional bonds with others and lack guilt or anxiety. These characteristics usually translate into behavior that is typically irresponsible, impulsive, and prone to delinquency or criminality