This chapter describes pseudoscience and questionable ideas related to antisocial personality disorder. The chapter opens by considering diagnostic controversies such as the construct of psychopathy. Questionable assessment practices and myths that influence treatment are also addressed. Dubious treatments include psychedelics, psychoanalysis, and punishment-based interventions. The chapter closes by reviewing research-supported approaches.

Interventions with violent offenders are likely to be most beneficial for the person, potential victims and society when directed at those with the strongest histories of violence, many of whom also have extensive histories of crime. These psychological interventions are most often provided in groups for men in correctional settings, and are intensive, with a focus both on influencing dynamic risk factors, but especially on providing a responsive solution to the myriad challenges posed by common characteristics of this client group, such as low readiness for change and high PCL-R scores. The theoretical and empirical research base for these interventions still lags well behind the practice; there is tentative positive evidence that these programmes reduce recidivism and change dynamic risk factors, but meta-analytic findings are hampered by study heterogeneity and a lack of primary research. Areas for future development include interventions for mentally disordered clients, women and indigenous people.