1) Aileen Wuornos, one of America’s most infamous female serial killers, was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Based on statistical data, how would you describe the relationship between antisocial personality disorder and criminality?

QUESTION

Respond these two questions with no more than 150 words each:

1) Aileen Wuornos, one of America’s most infamous female serial killers, was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Based on statistical data, how would you describe the relationship between antisocial personality disorder and criminality?

2) Allysha has borderline personality disorder, one of the most common personality disorders observed in clinical settings and one that many clinicians are reluctant to treat. One frequently used treatment for this disorder is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). What processes are involved in DBT? Do you think DBT is the most effective for BPD? Why or why not?

ANSWER

The Relationship Between Antisocial Personality Disorder and Criminality: A Statistical Analysis

 Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent disregard for the rights and feelings of others. While not all individuals with ASPD engage in criminal behavior, research has shown a significant correlation between this disorder and an increased likelihood of criminality.

Studies indicate that individuals with ASPD are more likely to engage in various forms of criminal activity, such as theft, assault, and substance abuse (Fridell et al., 2008). The relationship between ASPD and criminality can be attributed to several factors. These include impaired impulse control, a lack of empathy or remorse, an inclination towards thrill-seeking behavior, and a disregard for societal norms and rules.

It is important to note that not all individuals with ASPD become criminals, as other factors, such as socio-economic status and environmental influences, also play a significant role. Additionally, the presence of ASPD alone does not guarantee criminal behavior, as many individuals with the disorder may not engage in illegal activities.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD). It was specifically developed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with BPD, such as emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and unstable interpersonal relationships (Panos et al., 2013).

DBT incorporates several processes to help individuals with BPD achieve better emotional and behavioral control. These include individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation team meetings (Ritschel et al., 2015). The individual therapy component focuses on enhancing motivation, building skills, and addressing specific issues. Group skills training teaches mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance skills. Phone coaching provides support and guidance between sessions, and therapist consultation team meetings ensure that therapists are supported and adhere to the treatment model.

As for its effectiveness, DBT has shown promising results in reducing self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, and improving overall functioning in individuals with BPD. However, it’s essential to recognize that each person is unique, and the effectiveness of any treatment may vary. Some individuals with BPD may benefit from other therapeutic approaches tailored to their specific needs.

In conclusion, DBT is a well-established treatment for BPD that has demonstrated positive outcomes. While it may not be the only effective treatment option, it offers a comprehensive approach to address the complex and challenging symptoms associated with BPD.

References

Fridell, M., Hesse, M., Jæger, M. M., & Kühlhorn, E. (2008). Antisocial personality disorder as a predictor of criminal behaviour in a longitudinal study of a cohort of abusers of several classes of drugs: Relation to type of substance and type of crime. Addictive Behaviors, 33(6), 799–811. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.01.001 

Panos, P. T., Jackson, J. E., Hasan, O., & Panos, A. (2013). Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review Assessing the Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Research on Social Work Practice, 24(2), 213–223. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731513503047 

Ritschel, L. A., Lim, N. E., & Stewart, L. B. (2015). Transdiagnostic Applications of DBT for Adolescents and Adults. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 69(2), 111–128. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2015.69.2.111