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Behind Bars: Personality Disorder

NCJ Number
185443
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 232-235
Author(s)
Robert L. Trestman Ph.D.
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the ways in which personality disorders may present in the correctional environment and the potential opportunities for effective treatment of these disorders.
Abstract
The article first describes various types of personality disorder and how their behavioral manifestations will be played out in a typical correctional setting. The personality disorders described include the paranoid or schizotypal personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. As a further complication, many, if not most, of those with personality disorders also have diagnosable Axis I disorders such as mood disorders, traumatic stress disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. In parallel with other major Axis I syndromes, substance abuse and dependence are common comorbidities among those with personality disorders. The treatment opportunities discussed in this article are behavioral management, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology. Implications are discussed for custody collaboration and discharge planning. 29 references