Understanding Psychopathy: From Clinical Lore to Evidence-Based Outcomes
Psychopathic individuals are significantly overrepresented in correctional settings. They are more likely to engage in violent behavior, break institutional rules, drop out of structured programs, and generally disrupt operations; upon release, they are more likely to recidivate, often violently. Correctional professionals need to understand how this personality disorder manifests, yet are often ill-equipped to identify and provide targeted treatment for these individuals.
Clinical lore posits that psychopathic individuals are “untreatable” or that treatment can actually make them worse. However, recent research indicates that cognitive behavioral interventions focused on behavioral outcomes are effective. Potentially successful treatment interventions propose (1) focusing on the management of treatment-interfering characteristics while (2) targeting treatment on the behavioral characteristics of psychopathy to decrease recidivism.
This presentation will discuss the clinical and behavioral traits of psychopathy and review the most widely used assessment tool, the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised. A great deal of research has attempted to identify the neurobiological etiology of psychopathy, but recent advances in the biopsychosocial model have begun to elucidate our understanding of this devastating disorder. Issues that arise in the treatment of this population will be detailed, with focus on treatment approaches designed for correctional settings. The presentation will close with a discussion of novel interventions including preventive approaches and neurointerventions targeting certain brain areas.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
* Describe the interpersonal and behavioral manifestations of psychopathy
* Outline the biopsychosocial model of psychopathy
* Discuss the general tenets for developing a treatment program for psychopathic patients
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Joel Andrade, PhD, LICSW, CCHP-MH received his PhD and MSW in clinical and forensic social work from Boston College and is licensed in Massachusetts and Florida. He has worked in correctional mental health since 1997 as a mental health professional and director of mental health services for the Massachusetts Department of Correction, and is currently the senior director of behavioral health for Centurion. Dr. Andrade has presented on and published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and a book on correctional health care topics such as gender dysphoria, violence risk assessment, psychopathy, and suicide risk assessment. He has also been an expert witness in cases related to gender dysphoria, suicide risk, violence risk, and involuntary hospitalization.
Webinar Fee:
$65 ($55 for CCHPs), includes the powerpoint presentation, the webinar recording and CE credit - 1.5 hours for ACCME, ADA, ANCC, APA and CCHP