ABSTRACT
Although accounts of the disorder vary, psychopathy is generally regard ed as a chronic clinical condition associated with extreme egocentricity and interpersonal callousness, unusual emotional experiences, impulsivity, and an antisocial lifestyle. Most investigators and clinicians agree that the disorder (a) is manifested at a relatively early age (Hare, 1991; Robbins, 1972), (b) remains generally stable over the course of a lifetime (Hare, McPherson, & Forth, 1988), and (c) is typically resistant to success ful treatment (Meloy, 1988; Mill on, 1981). Given the chronicity of the dis order, its resistance to treatment, and the impact of psychopaths' behavior on themselves, others, and society, the condition is considered extremely serious.
