Mental Illness Study - Zapf et al.

Question 1

Purpose

Answer 1

Examine the accuracy of the Fitness Interview Test, revised edition (FIT-R) as a screening instrument for assessing fitness to stand trial

Question 2

Study 1 Participants

Answer 2

• 100 men remanded to Forensic Psychiatric Institute (FPI) in BC
• Most were single, white, unemployed
• Paid $5

Question 3

Study 1 Measures

Answer 3

• Fitness Interview Test - Revised (FIT-R)

- Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R-Patient Edition (SCID-P)

Question 4

FIT-R

Answer 4

• Screening measure

- Semi-structured interview assesses 3 psychological abilities in CCC fitness standard

Question 5

3 Sections of the FIT-R

Answer 5

1. Understanding the nature and object of the proceedings
2. Understanding of possible consequences of proceedings
3. Ability to communicate with counsel

Question 6

Study 1 Procedure

Answer 6

-FIT-R and SCID-P administered
~Unfit= met criteria for mental disorder and impaired on 1+ of the 3 FIT-R criteria
-Coded official determination of fitness in the institution-based evaluation at FPI

Question 7

Study 2 Participants

Answer 7

• 100 men identified as suffering from psychotic symptoms at time of admission
• most were single, white and unemployed
• Paid $5

Question 8

Study 2 Procedure

Answer 8

-FIT-R and BPRS administered
~Unfit=met criteria for mental disorder by 1+ FIT-R psychological abilities
-Coded official determination of fitness in the institution-based evaluation at FPI