Dangerous severe personality disorder

Dr Feeney’s article (Feeney, 2003) provides a useful review of dangerous severe personality disorder (DSPD). A few minor errors, though, are worth pointing out. Dr Feeney states that ‘the PCL–R rates clinical notes and informants with or without interview’. Rating without interview is occasionally employed but it should be noted that, in the words of the instrument’s authors, ‘the PCL-R is … designed to be completed by expert evaluators on the basis of a clinical interview and a review of case history information’ (Hart & Hare, 1996). Dr Feeney also states that ‘those who fulfil the criteria for psychopathy invariably also fulfil the criteria for antisocial personality disorder’: this is simply not the case. Lastly, Dr Feeney quotes Professor Gunn’s sentiments that the criminal justice system is ill-equipped to help those with DSPD, but provides no evidence that psychiatrists are any better placed to deal with these problematic individuals.