Antisocial personality disorder is generally perceived to be refractory
to treatment, particularly psychotherapy. In this study, the ability of 48
patients with this disorder to form a working relationship with a
psychotherapist or drug counselor was examined in relation to outcome of 24
weeks of treatment evaluated at 7-month follow-up. Some antisocial patients
were able to form working relationships with their therapists, and there
was a significant association between the ability to form such a
relationship and treatment outcome. Measures of this ability, such as the
Helping Alliance Questionnaire, may help identify antisocial patients who
can benefit from psychotherapy.Abstract Teaser