Forensic psychiatry combines psychiatry and the law, with forensic psychiatrists having a background in psychology, law, and medicine. They can determine mental capacity in criminal cases, support facts as expert witnesses, and work with offenders and victims. Ongoing education is necessary for this challenging field.
Forensic psychiatry is the union of psychiatry and the law. Psychiatry is a medical study, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. It is a combination of psychology, legal and medical practices.
A forensic psychiatrist has a solid background in psychology and law, but has also studied medicine, allowing him to treat patients and prescribe medication. Most forensic psychiatrists are doctors first, then enter the field of psychiatry, and only after several years in each of these fields do they enter forensic psychiatry. Medical students can choose to spend part of their residency in a specialty of psychiatry and pursue psychiatry fellowships after completing their residency.
There are many uses for forensic psychiatry. It is often used in criminal court cases. A forensic psychiatrist can determine if the suspect has the mental capacity to stand trial. If the suspect is not aware of the crime he has committed, or cannot understand the consequences of that crime, it is illegal for the suspect to be tried and sentenced. A forensic psychiatrist can also help determine an individual’s competence to raise children, make a will, or consent to medical care.
Forensic psychiatry can also be used to support the facts of a case. A forensic psychiatrist may be called in as an expert witness, testifying about the facts of the case, the defendant, or anything else that might be relevant. The testimony of a forensic psychiatrist, although impartial, can greatly influence the jury’s opinion and ultimately affect the outcome of the trial.
Another aspect of forensic psychiatry involves working with offenders and victims. In many cases, a criminal’s actions may be, in part, due to mental illness. While it is important to face the consequences of a crime, it is equally important that the perpetrator receive treatment for any disorders he or she may have. Crime victims and their families can also benefit from seeking treatment from a forensic psychiatrist. Victims often find it difficult to return to normal life after the crime, particularly if the crime involves violence or sexual trauma.
Forensic psychiatry is a challenging field that requires ongoing education to stay current with new research and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely. During their careers, most forensic psychiatrists will assist with assessments, research, writing, teaching, witnessing, and most importantly treating patients. In fact, most forensic psychiatrists spend more time working with individual patients than they do testifying in court cases. They do not help solve crimes, visit crime scenes, or work with hostage negotiators, as some popular media may portray. These jobs are left to the police and other specialists who have been trained for these tasks.
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