PCL-R Psychopathy and its Relation to DSM Axis I and II Disoders in a Sample of Male Forensic Patients in a Belgian Security Hospital
Résumé
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the psychopathy, assessed using the PCL-R, and DSM Axis I and II disorders in a Belgian adult male forensic patients (N= 84). Regarding Axis I disorders, diagnoses of psychopathy were associated only with diagnoses of substance abuse/dependence. Regarding Axis II disorder, psychopathy diagnoses were associated with antisocial personality disorder. This relationship was asymmetrical, as psychopathy was highly predictive of antisocial personality disorder but not vice versa. Furthermore, there was a significant positive association between antisocial personality disorder and PCL-R total scores, Factor 1 and 2 scores, and Facet 1, 3, and 4 scores. There was also a significant positive correlation between narcissistic personality disorder and PCL-R Factor 1 and Facet 1 scores. These findings are congruent with the international research literature and have potential therapeutic relevance, as Cluster B disorders including antisocial personality disorders are associated with low treatment motivation and compliance (Widiger & Corbitt, 1997; Robins, Tipp, & Przybeck, 1991). Overall, diagnoses of psychopathy were rather specific and unrelated to most major mental disorders (psychoses, mood or anxiety disorders) and personality disorders (Clusters A and C).