ABSTRACT
A psychopathic personality is perhaps the best known label, but in spite of attempts by lawyers it is not precisely defined. These are people whose neurotic traits or depression may appear to be part of their personality. It is important to remember that a psychopathic personality is not diagnosed by one or even two antisocial acts but by a habitual pattern of behaviour, perhaps dating from childhood and adolescence although not diagnosable until adult life. There is some evidence that psychopathic personalities are the result of some cerebral organic malfunction. It is important to be realistic as to how much can be achieved for people with personality disorders. They point out that by treating personality disorders in hospitals, clients are forced to take on the sick role. Clients were released from work to attend therapy sessions and it had to be established that they were expected to put effort into it.
