ABSTRACT
Prior to the introduction of the concept of ‘Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder’ (DSPD) in 1999, forensic mental health practice in the UK was already using concepts of severity and dangerousness as the basis for detention in secure psychiatric hospitals. The International Classification of Diseases (World Health Organisation (WHO) 1992) defines personality disorder in a way that emphasises ‘a severe disturbance’ of the individual’s character leading to persistent, pervasive and problematic behaviours. Dissocial/antisocial personality disorder includes very low frustration tolerance, ‘disregard for social norms, rules and obligations’ and a low threshold for aggression and violence (WHO 1992).
