Forensic Psychiatry is a specialty of psychiatry primarily concerned with individuals who have offended and who also suffer from a mental disorder. These mentally disordered offenders(MDOs) are often cared for insecure psychiatric environments though larger numbers, particularly those with substance use disorders, are in prisons where healthcare can be insufficient to meet their needs. Our Section is also concerned with prison psychiatry. <br><br>

Forensic psychiatrists act as expert witnesses in court (commenting on questions such as criminal responsibility and risk) or manage MDOs in treatment or carceral settings. They might also give advice on how to prevent and deal with violence in MDOs. In doing so, they face a “dual role dilemma”, on the one hand serving, as doctors, individual patients, on the others hand having a role in protecting the public. <br><br>

Important research questions concern the assessment of risk of violence and (re-) offending and the effectiveness of interventions to reduce risk. <br><br>

As a section we provide a forum for practitioners to exchange experiences and views on all matters pertinent to forensic psychiatry. We organise activities at the main WPA meetings or regional conferences and develop guidance on relevant topics.