Can Antisocial Personality Disorder Be Treated? A Meta-Analysis Examining the Effectiveness of Treatment in Reducing Recidivism for Individuals Diagnosed with ASPD

Abstract

The effectiveness of treatment for individuals diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) has been questioned and debated for years. As individuals with ASPD are considerably overrepresented in the criminal justice system, the ability of treatment to reduce recidivism is a prominent concern. The present meta-analysis identified six unique controlled and uncontrolled treatment outcome studies investigating the effectiveness of treatment in reducing general/any recidivism for individuals with ASPD. Results from the controlled studies indicated no significant differences in recidivism rates between individuals with ASPD in treatment and those in treatment as usual; however, the direction of the odds ratios suggested lower recidivism for the treatment groups. Results from the uncontrolled studies suggested equal effectiveness of treatment when comparing individuals with and without ASPD; however, these effects may not be attributable to the treatment in question. Interpretation of these findings and the generalizability of the general offender treatment literature to individuals with ASPD is discussed.

Keywords:

• ASPD
• effectiveness
• meta-analysis
• recidivism
• treatment

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Ashley Ward for her assistance with inter-rater reliability. My gratitude also extends to Dr. Candice Monson for her helpful comments on the manuscript.