Civil forensic psychiatry - Part 2: specific issues

Australas Psychiatry. 2018 Jun;26(3):252-255. doi: 10.1177/1039856218759236. Epub 2018 Feb 19.

Abstract

Objectives: This paper describes the main areas of civil forensic psychiatry (FP) and the skills required by psychiatric experts. Some specific areas of civil FP are discussed, including tort law reform, reliability of psychiatric evidence, contentious psychiatric disorders, and the many domains of civil FP.

Conclusions: Civil FP is an important sub-specialty component of forensic psychiatry that requires greater emphasis in the training and continuing education of psychiatrists. A process of accrediting psychiatrists as having competency in advanced civil FP may be of value.

Keywords: PTSD; adjustment disorder; civil forensic psychiatry; class action; tort law reform.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjustment Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Forensic Psychiatry* / education
  • Forensic Psychiatry* / methods
  • Forensic Psychiatry* / standards
  • Humans
  • Mentally Ill Persons / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Professional Competence* / standards
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis*