Overview

Originally published in 1978, this book provides a comprehensive view of both research and treatment of antisocial disorders and behaviours. Without losing sight of the psychopath as a person, the distinguished contributors examine the antisocial personality syndrome scientifically, focusing on clinical and social characteristics which are associated with the syndrome and then on treatment approaches which have had some degree of success with these most difficult patients. Part 1 addresses the philosophy and sociology which surround antisocial disorders in our society, dealing in particular with the problem of diagnosis, the impact of antisocial behaviour on the individual and those around them, the asocial child, and the psychopath in rural areas. Part 2 is especially comprehensive in its presentation of a variety of perspectives on the clinical and social factors associated with psychopathy. Traditional and Jungian psychodynamic characteristics seen in antisocial personalities are discussed, as well as family and social environments. There are thorough examinations of areas such as neurological aspects of antisocial behaviour, dyscontrol syndromes, psychophysiological research and genetic correlates. Part 3 focuses on some commonly encountered treatment modalities – long-term institutional (prison or hospital) treatment programs; psychotherapy in an outpatient setting; and drug treatment for problems which may be amenable to medication. Specific examples provide insight into the therapeutic techniques necessary to create a milieu in which psychological growth can occur or to engage and keep a psychopath in the therapeutic process. The book will be of use to all professionals interested in understanding and helping antisocial personalities.

Full Product Details

9781041228561

Table of Contents

Reviews

Original Review of The Psychopath: ‘This book will serve as a useful introduction to the subject of psychopathy and delinquency for those who are interested, whether from the fields of psychiatry, general medicine, psychology or criminology. Dr Reid has assembled a widely ranging series of interesting and useful contributions to the study of the subject from genetic, physiological through the biological to the sociological and psychodynamic points of view. The authors are all experts in their own field and…the book is written in way which affords ready availability to information and understanding. Particularly impressive was the humane stance adopted by the various authors towards a type of human behaviour and aspects of human personality which are seldom conducive to eliciting concern.’ B. J. Muir, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, Vol 75, Issue 5 (1982)

Author Information

William H. Reid, MD, MPH, has been a psychiatrist and psychotherapist for over 50 years. When Basic Intensive Psychotherapy was first published, he was psychiatry residency director at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and on the adjunct faculties of Northwestern University and Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois. He spent most of his clinical and academic career working with patients and teaching all levels of psychology and psychiatry trainees. Today, he is professor of psychiatry at the University of Texas Dell Medical School, and clinical or adjunct professor at Texas Tech and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School; Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), Fellow Emeritus of the American College of Psychiatrists, and author, co-author or editor of some 18 books and hundreds of papers in the field.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available