The Complexity of Psychopathy

This book provides a nuanced view of psychopathy by linking this syndrome to acknowledged DSM categories and exploring diverse theoretical perspectives for the conceptualization of this condition. While other volumes focus on the uniqueness of the disorder, this book highlights the heterogeneity of psychopathy and the implications of that heterogeneity for research and treatment. Directed to both clinicians and researchers, this volume aims to improve understanding and treatment for this complex condition.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Psychopathy.- Chapter 2: Profile and Assessment of Psychopathy.- Chapter 3: Developmental Considerations in Psychopathy.- Chapter 4: Psychopathy and Gender: How Relevant is the Construct of Psychopathy in Females?.- Chapter 5: Psychopathy and Violence.- Chapter 6: Psychopathy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.- Chapter 7: Psychopathy and Psychotic Disorders.- Chapter 8: Psychopathy and Mood Disorders.- Chapter 9: Psychopathy, Trauma, and PTSD symptoms: Theory and Evidence.- Chapter 10: Psychopathy and Conduct Disorder: Do we need additional specifiers for adequate representation?.- Chapter 11: Psychopathy and Substance Use Disorders.- Chapter 12: Psychopathy and Personality Disorders.- Chapter 13: Forensic Rehabilitation Perspectives: Applying a Two-Component Framework to Interventions for Adults with Psychopathy.- Chapter 14: Therapeutic Considerations and Interventions for Psychopathy.- Chapter 15: Psychodynamic Perspectives of Psychopathy.- Chapter 16: Existential Perspectives of Psychopathy.- Chapter 17: A Gestalt Therapy Perspective on Psychopathy: Bearing the Unbearable.- Chapter 18: Group Therapy Interventions for Psychopathy: An Interpersonal Perspective.- Chapter 19: Family Therapy and Psychopathy: Adapting Family Interventions for Antisocial Youth with Psychopathic Traits.- Chapter 20: Neuropsychological Considerations in Psychopathy.- Chapter 21: Criminal Justice Responses to Psychopathy.- Chapter 22: Public Health Considerations in Psychopathy.

Dr. Vitale is a Professor of Psychology at Hampden-Sydney College. Dr. Vitale received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2003 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Vitale has written for both academic and clinical audiences, and has contributed review chapters on psychopathy to several key texts, including Patrick’s (2018) Handbook of Psychopathy and Gacono’s (2016) Clinical and Forensic Assessment of Psychopathy: A Practitioner’s Guide.  In addition, her original research in the areas of attention processing in psychopathy and psychopathy in women can be found in journals including the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, and Neuropsychology.