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13 Psych., Crime & L. 1 (2007)

handle is hein.journals/pcyceadl13 and id is 1 raw text is: Psychology, Crime & Law, January 2007; 13(1): 1

R    Routledge
PR Taylor&Francis Group

Editorial
The interaction between mental disorder and criminal behaviour is one that has a long
history, involving many different disciplines including criminology, law, psychiatry, and
psychology. The field has moved through various phases, from a disavowal of any
association between mental disorder and law, to an acceptance that in certain circumstances
some link may be probable. Of course, the term mental disorder is really a catch-all for a
bundle of different conditions, ranging from depression and schizophrenia, through
intellectual disability, to personality disorder. Indeed, the relationship between these
different conditions and criminal behaviour has developed into research specialities in their
own right.
The study of personality disorder is a substantial clinical field and one in which there has
traditionally been a strong interest in antisocial and criminal behaviour. This interest is
particularly seen in the juxtaposition of personality disorder with the concept of
psychopathy. It is the case that some people with a personality disorder commit grave
offences and are seen to be a high risk to the community. Such people may well find
themselves held in custodial conditions of high security, sometimes a prison, other times a
maximum security hospital.
The challenge posed by offenders with a personality disorder held in high security is
profound at several levels. How can personality disorder be treated? How do we measure
risk in personality disordered offenders? What is the relationship between personality
disorder and psychopathy? There are many questions to ask, but rather fewer answers to
give.
This special edition provides a comprehensive overview of the conceptual and research
issues with regard to high risk offenders with personality disorders. Kevin Howells, Calvin
Langton and Todd Hogue have made an admirable job of drawing together an outstanding
collection of papers by some of the leading researchers and commentators in the field. This
edition of Psychology, Crime & Law will, I'm sure, be seen as a landmark edition in years to
come.
Clive Hollin

ISSN 1068-316X print/ISSN 1477-2744 online © 2007 Taylor & Francis
DOT: 10.1080/10683160600869494

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