Forensic psychiatry is the union of psychiatry and law. Psychiatry is a medical study that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. It is a combination of psychology, legal and medical practices.
Forensic psychiatrists do not visit crime scenes.
A forensic psychiatrist has a strong background in psychology and law, but has also attended medical school, which allows her to treat patients and prescribe medications. Most forensic psychiatrists are medical 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 may choose to devote part of their residency to a psychiatry specialty and then pursue psychiatry fellowships after completing their residency.
A forensic psychiatrist may evaluate a person to produce evidence that can be used in court.
There are many uses for forensic psychiatry. It is often used in criminal court proceedings. A forensic psychiatrist can determine if the suspect has the mental capacity to stand trial. If the suspect is not aware of the crime she has committed or cannot understand the consequences of that crime, it is illegal for the suspect to be tried and convicted. A forensic psychiatrist can also help determine an individual’s competence to raise children, make a will, or consent to medical care.
Forensic psychiatrists may be called as expert witnesses to testify in court.
Forensic psychiatry can also be used to support the facts of a case. A forensic psychiatrist may be called as an expert witness, testifying about the facts of the case, the defendant, or anything else that may be relevant. The testimony of a forensic psychiatrist, while unbiased, can greatly influence the jury’s opinion and ultimately affect the outcome of the trial.
Another aspect of forensic psychiatry involves working with criminals and victims. In many cases, an offender’s actions may be due, in part, 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 may have. Crime victims and their families can also benefit from seeking treatment from a forensic psychiatrist. Victims often have difficulty returning to normal life after the crime, especially if the crime involves violence or sexual trauma.
Forensic psychiatry is a challenging field that requires continuing education to keep up with new research and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely. During their careers, most forensic psychiatrists will assist with evaluations, investigations, writing, teaching, testimony, and most importantly, with the treatment of patients. In fact, most forensic psychiatrists will spend more time working with individual patients than testifying in court cases. They do not help solve crimes, visit crime scenes, or work with hostage negotiators, as some popular media outlets may portray. These jobs are left to police officers and other specialists who have been trained for these roles.