Psychopathy remains one of the least understood personality disorders and one of the most intransigent to therapeutic amelioration. Better understanding of this disorder is not helped by its DSM definition, which specifies diagnostic criteria in terms of concrete antisocial behaviors rather than psychological dynamics. In a concerted effort to remedy this situation, this volume brings together a distinguished array of contributors to provide a comprehensive review of research on psychopathy--its nature, causes, and effects on the individual and society, as well as current management...

This forward-thinking volume grapples with critical questions surrounding the mechanisms underlying mental disorders and the systems used for classifying them. Edited and written by leading international authorities, the book integrates biological and psychosocial perspectives.