The use of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and Rorschach in treatment planning with antisocial personality disordered patients

Abstract

As mental health resources dwindle, efficient use of available services becomes an economic and ethical necessity. Integral to this process are screening, assessment, and treatment planning. Treatment planning is especially critical in correctional settings where change-resistant Antisocial Personality Disordered (ASPD) individuals compose a disaproportionate percentage of the population. Not a homogeneous group, some ASPDs are treatable, some are not. The Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and Rorschach Test aid the clinician in formulating diagnoses, assessing treatment amenability, targeting areas for intervention, and, with the Rorschach, monitoring treatment progress. This article discusses the PCL- R's and Rorschach's role in treating ASPD patients. Two low-Lambda, introversive, T = 1, ASPD Rorschach protocols highlight treatment planning and treatment progress assessment.