Forensic Psychiatry : Clinical Legal and Ethical Issues

Comprehensive and erudite, yet down to earth, this book is a practical guide to the psychiatry of offenders with mental disorder, and victims and survivors of crime. This landmark publication has been completely updated but retains all the features that made the first edition such a well established text. It integrates the clinical, legal and ethical aspects of forensic psychiatry with contributions from internationally regarded authors, experts and opinion leaders from a range of clinical professions and other agencies. Almost all chapters have been completely rewritten.

New chapters for this second edition include: the genetics of antisocial behaviour; disorders of brain structure and function that relate to crime; offenders with intellectual disabilities; and deviant and sick staff. Special features: In-depth coverage of the clinical assessment, management and treatment of offenders with mental disorder - encompassing a range of secure hospital facilities, in prisons and in the community. Thorough review of the evidence base from an international perspective. Legal and ethical issues considered in a thought-provoking way. Guidance on report writing and giving evidence in court. Whilst the book focuses on the jurisdictions of the UK, a substantial comparative chapter written by an international group from all five continents explores the different philosophies, legal principles and style of services elsewhere. The book is an essential purchase, not only for specialists and postgraduate trainees in forensic psychiatry but also for general adult psychiatrists, and clinical and forensic psychologists. It is also an invaluable reference work for other forensic mental health professionals, including nurses, social workers and occupational therapists; probation service staff; the police; criminal lawyers with an interest in mental health cases; criminologists and sociologists.