Introduction

Using a broad definition, Antisocial Disorders may be defined as pervasive, maladaptive behaviours that violate the norms and rules of a group or society, causing social impairment or distress to others. Currently, the classification and assessment of antisocial disorders may follow (a) the medical model or (b) the dimensional model:

• The medical model uses a categorical approach in which the presence of a variety of diagnostic criteria, such as persistent violations of social norms (including lying, stealing, truancy, inconsistent work behaviour and traffic arrests), is evaluated by experts (clinicians). This model relies on diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders: APA, 1994) and ICD (International Classification of Diseases: WHO, 1993).
• The dimensional model evaluates antisocial disorders along a continuum of ...