The confusion over psychopathy (II): Implications for forensic (correctional) practice

This article is the second in a two-part series on psychopathy. The first a rticle systematically, although provisionally, reviewed the major transitio ns associated with psychopathy's historical development, focusing on how ch anges in nomenclature, meaning, degree of social condemnation and prognosis significantly affect the current understanding of this mental disorder Thi s article as,assesses the most pressing forensic practice issues stemming f rom the convoluted history of psychopathy. In particular, this article comm ents on assessment concerns related to the convergence and divergence of th e antisocial personality disorder-psychopathy continuum, on diagnostic and treatment concerns related to countertransference and misdiagnosis, and on courtroom testimony concerns related to competent forensic evaluations part icularly when clinical assessments of sexually violent predators are admini stered. On this latter point, this article explores the limits of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, especially in regard to predicting accuratel y violent sexual recidivism. Ultimately, this article clarifies much of the confusion surrounding psychopathy and forensic (correctional) practice.