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Dangerous severe personality disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Andrew Al-Adwani*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Scunthorpe District General Hospital, Church Lane, Scunthorpe DN15 1QQ, UK
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Abstract

Type
Correspondence
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2003 

Dr Feeney’s article (Reference FeeneyFeeney, 2003) provides a useful review of dangerous severe personality disorder (DSPD). A few minor errors, though, are worth pointing out. Dr Feeney states that ‘the PCL–R rates clinical notes and informants with or without interview’. Rating without interview is occasionally employed but it should be noted that, in the words of the instrument’s authors, ‘the PCL-R is … designed to be completed by expert evaluators on the basis of a clinical interview and a review of case history information’ (Reference Hart and HareHart & Hare, 1996). Dr Feeney also states that ‘those who fulfil the criteria for psychopathy invariably also fulfil the criteria for antisocial personality disorder’: this is simply not the case. Lastly, Dr Feeney quotes Professor Gunn’s sentiments that the criminal justice system is ill-equipped to help those with DSPD, but provides no evidence that psychiatrists are any better placed to deal with these problematic individuals.

References

Feeney, A. (2003) Dangerous severe personality disorder. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 9, 349358.Google Scholar
Hart, S. D. & Hare, R. D. (1996) Psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 9, 129132.Google Scholar
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