The Complexity of Psychopathy

Although psychopathy is one of the most troubling disorders to both individuals and society, it remains a vague category and a recalcitrant mental health problem. Most books on this subject have focused on the uniqueness of this disorder, and view it as a salient feature of criminal behavior. The current volume, however, aims to provide a more nuanced view, by linking this behavior to acknowledged DSM categories and by investigating the links to other aspects of behavior such as development and personality. Additionally, while other texts have dealt almost exclusively with primary psychopathy this book considers psychopathic features of individuals who do not meet the classic psychopathy profile. Directed to both clinicians and researchers this volume aims to improve understanding and treatment for this complex behavior.