Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Question 1

What is forensic psychology?

Answer 1

Application of psychology to matters of legal relevance. Helps judges and juries understand why a person committed a crime and understand mind of offender at time of offense.

Question 2

What is the main focus of a forensic psychologist?

Answer 2

To provide an objective evaluation.

Question 3

What is some work that forensic psychologists do?

Answer 3

Competency to stand trial
Mental state at time of offense
Child Custody evals
Violence/sex offender risk assessment

Question 4

Name some common axis I disorders encountered in forensic psychology?

Answer 4

Schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder
Bipolar disorder
Intermittent explosive disorder
MDD/PTSD/Post-partum depression
Substance abuse

Question 5

Name the most encountered personality disorders?

Answer 5

Antisocial
Narcissistic
Borderline

Question 6

Describe Schizophrenia

Answer 6

Thought disorder, diagnosed in early adulthood. Most prevalent in urban communities

Question 7

What are the diagnostic criteria for Schizophrenia?

Answer 7

Following has to be present for 1 month: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonia. negative symptoms, impaired functioning.

Question 8

What are delusions?

Answer 8

Beliefs that aren’t realistic: people will defend them anyway

Question 9

___________ delusions are when someone believes something is after them or attempting to plot against them in some way.

Answer 9

Paranoid

Question 10

What are grandiose delusions?

Answer 10

Believing they have great status, wealth, intellectual abilities

Question 11

___________ delusions are generally when a significant other is being unfaithful without having a basis for belief.

Answer 11

Jealous

Question 12

Name the types of hallucinations

Answer 12

Auditory
Visual
Tactile
Olfactory

Question 13

Describe auditory hallucinations

Answer 13

Command (instruct the person) or non-command (berating the person)
Accompanied by visual hallucinations