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Biopsychosocial Treatment of Antisocial and Conduct Disordered Offenders

NCJ Number
199378
Journal
Offender Programs Report Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: July/August 2002 Pages: 17,27,30
Author(s)
Henry R. Cellini
Editor(s)
Russ Immarigeon M.S.W
Date Published
July 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the biopsychosocial strategy in the treatment of antisocial and conduct disordered offenders.
Abstract
It has become apparent that as more research literature comes to surface on the mental health treatment of offenders, empirical approaches need to synthesize strategies and interventions from the fields of biology, psychology, and sociology. A psychosocial approach in conjunction with an understanding of biological bases of human behavior, symbolize the essential components of the biopsychosocial treatment strategy. This article examines the biopsychosocial treatment strategy focusing on the concepts of character and temperament, the treatment of the anti-social clients, and general treatment principles, which include: (1) enhancing motivation for change; (2) integrated multi-modal treatment approach; (3) effective general and specific treatment goals; and (4) diagnose and treat separately, and stages of treatment involving strategies to categorize the therapeutic or change process. The biopsychosocial approach to treatment requires tailoring the interventions to manage the client’s behavior and ultimately meet his or her needs.