Dangerous and severe personality disorder

Abstract

The Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) initiative was introduced a decade ago against overwhelming opposition from psychiatrists and others concerned with the implications of extending the public protection agenda through the use of a questionable medical 'diagnosis'. As this initiative is now being scaled down, it offers an opportunity to consider the positive and negative aspects of the initiative together with its longer-term legacy. © 2011 The Royal College of Psychiatrists.