discussion

 Collapse SubdiscussionAmy Dongweck

Amy Dongweck

MondayMay 27 at 1:16pmManage Discussion Entry

One concern related to the Cautionary Statement for Forensic Use of the DSM-5 is that a diagnosis from the DSM-5 does not always include all factors, such as social, biological, neurological, and other outside influences that may have contributed to a diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 are primarily symptom-based and may not fully capture an individual's psychological profile, especially about legal implications (Wills & Gold, 2014). Forensic psychologists need to be mindful of these limitations and ensure that their assessments are thorough, considering all relevant factors beyond the scope of the DSM-5. This involves conducting comprehensive evaluations, considering empirical research, and incorporating information from different sources to fully understand the individual (Wills & Gold, 2014).

I chose antisocial personality disorder. According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology (2014), Antisocial Personality Disorder is

the presence of a chronic and pervasive disposition to disregard and violate the rights of others. Manifestations include repeated violations of the law, exploitation of others, deceitfulness, impulsivity, aggressiveness, reckless disregard for the safety of self and others, and irresponsibility, accompanied by lack of guilt, remorse, and empathy. 

The ethical concerns surrounding Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) encompass a myriad of intricate and multifaceted issues. These encompass concerns about genetic determinism, which posits that genetic research on ASPD may be misconstrued as genetic determinism, potentially leading to unjust labeling, stigma, bias, and discrimination based on individuals' genetic profiles (Junewicz & Billick, 2021). The medicalization of behavior defines ASPD primarily as behaviors deemed unacceptable by society, posing ethical challenges for medical diagnosis and raising questions about the medicalization of behaviors and its implications for individuals diagnosed with ASPD (Yakeley & Williams, 2014). Ethical dilemmas arise regarding the involuntary detention and treatment of individuals with ASPD or psychopathic traits, entailing a contentious issue of balancing societal protection and individual rights (Howard & Duggan, 2022). Individuals with ASPD often face stigmatization due to the disorder's association with criminality and lack of empathy, potentially impacting their fair treatment in the legal system and access to mental health services. Ethical considerations are abundant in assessing the risk of future offending by individuals with ASPD, including careful consideration of potential errors in risk estimation and the effectiveness of treatment, especially when imposed (Howard & Duggan, 2022). An ongoing debate revolves around the extent to which individuals with ASPD can be held accountable for their actions, considering the influence of genetic and environmental factors on their behavior. Identifying 'at-risk' individuals for preventive interventions carries ethical implications, particularly concerning privacy and the potential to misuse such information (Rodrigo et al., 2010).

The ethical concerns associated with ASPD involve delicately balancing an understanding of the disorder's biological and psychological foundations with addressing the societal impact of its associated behaviors. It is crucial to approach these issues with confidence, sensitivity, and a steadfast commitment to ethical principles in both legal and mental health domains.

The Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists reflect the ethical considerations surrounding ASPD, emphasizing assessments, competency, responsibilities, accurate documentation, and unbiased testimony.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5(5). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

American Psychological Association. (2011). Specialty guidelines for forensic psychology. Https://Www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/forensic-psychology

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2014). APA Dictionary of Psychology. Apa.org. https://dictionary.apa.org/antisocial-personality-disorder

Howard, R., & Duggan, C. (2022). Legal and Ethical Issues in ASPD and Psychopathy (C. Duggan & R. Howard, Eds.). Cambridge University Press; Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/antisocial-personality/legal-and-ethical-issues-in-aspd-and-psychopathy/038D881972FA3503979679BC4715EBC8

Junewicz, A., & Billick, S. B. (2021). Preempting the Development of Antisocial Behavior and Psychopathic Traits. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, 51(1). https://doi.org/10.29158/JAAPL.200060-20

Rodrigo, C., Rajapakse, S., & Jayananda, G. (2010). The "antisocial" person: an insight into biology, classification, and current evidence on treatment. Annals of General Psychiatry, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-859x-9-31

Wills, C. D., & Gold, L. H. (2014). Introduction to the Special Section on DSM-5 and Forensic Psychiatry. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, 42(2), 132–135. https://jaapl.org/content/42/2/132

Yakeley, J., & Williams, A. (2014). Antisocial personality disorder: new directions. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 20(2), 132–143. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.113.011205