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Scams and Forensic Psychiatry

When a person is scammed, does it mean they have diminished capacity to make decisions, are unduly influenced, or are incapacitated? A forensic psychiatrist may be asked to assess whether the person is fit to stand trial or needs a conservatorship (which gives another person legal authority to make decisions for them).

Drs. Nora Douglas, Renee Sorrentino, and Susan Hatters Friedman used case vignettes to illustrate their points during their presentation to the International Forensic Psychiatry Lecture Series.

Firesetting: An Overlooked Issue in Forensic Mental Health

Setting fires is often ignored in forensic mental health, but it should not be. Many people who set fires intentionally have mental disorders, and the fires they set can have deadly results.

In their presentation for the International Forensic Psychiatry Lecture Series, Drs. Renée Sorrentino, Susan Hatters Friedman, and Lawrence Belcher said forensic psychiatry education and knowledge about firesetting behaviour are lacking, although that is changing. Forensic psychiatrists should be aware of the risk factors, assessment, and treatment for people who set fires, so they can plan appropriate treatment for this population.