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A groundbreaking psychological therapy developed by a team of University College London (UCL)-led researchers has been found to significantly reduce rates of violence and aggression among male offenders diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD).
The study, published in *The Lancet Psychiatry*, explored whether a modified form of mentalization-based treatment (MBT) could improve aggression and antisocial behaviors. MBT is a therapy that helps individuals better understand their own thoughts and emotions, as well as those of others. The new approach, called MBT-ASPD, aims to enhance self-awareness and interpersonal understanding among male offenders, improving their decision-making and social interactions.
### **Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder**
Antisocial Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of disregard for the rights of others. Symptoms include deceitfulness, impulsivity, aggression, recklessness, and a lack of remorse. It frequently correlates with criminal behavior and poses significant challenges for rehabilitation efforts.
### **Study Design and Key Findings**
In the largest study of its kind, 157 male offenders on probation in England and Wales underwent a 12-month MBT-ASPD program alongside standard probation services. A control group of 156 offenders received only standard probation services.
Participants in the MBT-ASPD group attended weekly 75-minute group therapy sessions led by trained MBT clinicians, often supported by individuals with lived experience. They also had monthly 50-minute individual therapy sessions focused on developing mentalizing skills, such as self-awareness, empathy, and reflective thinking—especially in interpersonal conflict situations.
The study’s results were highly promising:
– Participants receiving MBT-ASPD exhibited **50% lower aggression levels** than those receiving only standard probation services.
– The MBT-ASPD group experienced a **63% greater reduction** in ASPD symptoms at a 12-month follow-up.
– Over a three-year follow-up period, individuals in the MBT-ASPD group committed **46% fewer offenses** compared to the control group.
### **Expert Reactions**
Chief Investigator Professor Peter Fonagy (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) highlighted the significance of these findings:
“Given the enormous personal and societal costs of antisocial personality disorder—including higher risk-taking, poorer health outcomes, reduced employment, and an estimated £16.7 billion annual economic burden in the UK—this study represents a major breakthrough.”
Professor Anthony Bateman, co-author and lead clinician, emphasized that MBT-ASPD offers a promising alternative to existing treatments:
“This study suggests that clinicians can now be more optimistic about treating individuals with antisocial traits, who are often seen as untreatable and consequently face barriers in accessing both physical and mental health care.”
### **Future Implications and Research**
Encouraged by these findings, researchers are advocating for further studies to determine whether MBT-ASPD could benefit broader populations, including those involved in severe violent behavior such as intimate partner violence.
Co-author Dr. Elizabeth Allison (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) noted:
“Traditional justice methods, such as imprisonment, have not been effective in reducing reoffending in cases of domestic abuse. Future research should explore how MBT-ASPD can be adapted for individuals involved in severe violence.”
Additionally, researchers aim to assess how treatment intensity and duration influence long-term outcomes.
### **Study Limitations**
While the results are promising, the study had some limitations:
– The design made it difficult to isolate the specific effects of MBT-ASPD from the additional attention participants received.
– Data collection issues and missing data—exacerbated by COVID-19-related delays—may have influenced the findings.
– The study focused solely on male offenders aged 21 and older under probation supervision, meaning results may not generalize to younger offenders or individuals outside the probation system.
This research was conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions, including Anna Freud, Newcastle University, King’s College London, Royal Holloway, the National Probation Service London Division, the University of Prince Edward Island, Bangor University, the University of Nottingham, and Imperial College London.
### **Disclaimer:**
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Readers should consult relevant professionals for further guidance regarding treatment and rehabilitation programs for antisocial personality disorder.
