Basic Forensic Psychiatry

The subject of forensic psychiatry is difficult. Not only does it straddle the often conflicting areas of psychiatry and the law - it is also complicated by public prejudice, moral and ethical problems and controversy. Psychiatrists can often be at a disadvantage in the courts unless properly prepared. More than ever today, a large number of professionals are becoming involved in assessing, sentencing, planning and treating offenders. This textbook has been written primarily for postgraduate medical students studying for the Royal College of Psychiatrists' membership examination, but it should also prove to be useful reading for other professionals working in the specialty such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, lawyers, criminologists and social workers. The content of the book is set out clearly and it is also arranged by subject to enable busy professionals to use it as quick reference.