Forensic Psychiatry

Question 1

What is forensic psychiatry?

Answer 1

• Interface between Medicine and the Law
• Involves working with people who have a mental disorder and pose a significant risk to the public.
• In Scotland located in the Perth Lunatic Department and The State Hospital (Carstairs)

Question 2

What do forensic psychiatry do?

Answer 2

• Look after patients in hospital and the community
• Provide psychiatric cover to prisons
• Assess people remanded in custody
• Provide expert witness recommendation to the courts

Question 3

Court work

Answer 3

• Assess Fitness to stand trial
• Insanity Defence
• Give recommendations on disposal and level of security required.

Question 4

What do we see?

Answer 4

• Most patients are:
  
  • Male
  • Psychotic
  • High percentage abuse alcohol and drugs
  • May have personality disorder
• Offences
  
  • Homocide
  • Sexual offences
  • Arson
  • Stalking

Question 5

Risk management

Answer 5

• Balance between patients’ treatment and societies protection
• Make things safe – hospital, appropriate level of security
• Use police if need be
• Review mental state
• Treat illness!
• Treat substance misuse
• Once recovered begin gradual rehab process (lasts several years)