Psychological interventions for antisocial personality disorder
Cochrane Reviews, 06/18/2010
Evidence Based Medicine
Review Article
Gibbon S et al. – Results suggest that there is insufficient trial evidence to justify using any psychological intervention for adults with antisocial personality disorder (AsPD). Disappointingly few of the included studies addressed the primary outcomes defined in this review (aggression, reconviction, global functioning, social functioning, adverse effects). Three interventions (contingency management with standard maintenance; CBT with standard maintenance; 'Driving Whilst Intoxicated program' with incarceration) appeared effective, compared to the control condition, in terms of improvement in at least one outcome in at least one study. Each of these interventions had been originally developed for people with substance misuse problems. Significant improvements were mainly confined to outcomes related to substance misuse. No study reported significant change in any specific antisocial behaviour. Further research is urgently needed for this prevalent and costly condition.
