The Psychopathic Mind: Origins, Dynamics, and Treatment

This book represents the confluence of many streams of thought and addresses the interest of the whole mental health field in a way in which few others have. (James S. Grotstein)

A compelling integration of psychobiological data on predatory aggression in humans. Dr. Meloy covers the clinical spectrum of psychopathic behavior, making the book of value to all therapists. He presents psychopathy as a distinct entity and a characterological component of a variety of other disorders. The Psychopathic Mind is the most significant contribution to psychopathy since the publication of Cleckley's Mask of Sanity in 1941. We are introduced in these pages to the thinking of Otto Kernberg and Ted Bundy. There are quotes from the Bible and the Boston Strangler. This book is required reading for anyone who wishes to understand psychopathic behavior." (Emanuel Tanay)

This is a superb presentation of what is currently known about the psychopathic personality and its functioning. The discussion is comprehensive and clearly and forcefully articulated, making it maximally useful for clinical and forensic settings. The book would be highly useful and helpful for all clinicians engaged in the evaluation and treatment of criminal psychopaths. This extremely important work fills a vacuum in the understanding of psychopathic disorders from the psychological and psychodynamic perspective. (William W. Meissner)

J. Reid Meloy, Ph.D., is a diplomate in forensic psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology. Chief of the Court Services, Forensic Mental Health Division for San Diego County, he also devotes time to a private civil and criminal forensic practice, research, writing, and teaching. He is an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine; a clinical associate professor of psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego; and an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Society for Personality Assessment and was recently elected President of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology. In 1992 he received the Distinguished Contribution to Psychology as a Profession Award from the California Psychological Association.