Oxford Casebook of Forensic Psychiatry

This casebook is a companion to the Forensic Psychiatry (Oxford Specialist Handbook), Second Edition, and is designed to enhance decision-making in cases faced by practitioners in their discipline. It is organized into three sections: an introduction to the theory and practice of decision-making, cases across clinical, legal, and ethical domains, and frameworks for critiquing decisions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This new casebook, designed as a companion to the Forensic Psychiatry (Oxford Specialist Handbook), Second Edition, complements the domains of both theory and practice put forward in the handbook but also works as a standalone volume for those who wish to enhance their decision-making in cases they may confront in their discipline. Organized into three sections, the casebook allows the practitioner to think through not only the technical medical aspects of real-life clinical cases but also the legal and ethical aspects. Part A provides an introduction to the theory and practice of decision-making; Part B presents cases across clinical, legal, and ethical domains; and Part C offers frameworks for critiquing decisions. This robustly discursive approach to a fact-based but also value-laden discipline enhances the opportunity to put knowledge into practice.

The Oxford Casebook of Forensic Psychiatry expresses the concept that knowing is the only part of deciding, offering an essential practitioner's guide to decision-making in clinical, forensic, and legal psychiatry. This comprehensive and practical resource is invaluable for psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, and other professionals involved in the field. It provides a thorough exploration of decision-making processes, drawing on a wealth of real-life clinical cases and expert insights.

The casebook is divided into three sections: Part A, which introduces the theory and practice of decision-making in forensic psychiatry; Part B, which presents cases across clinical, legal, and ethical domains; and Part C, which offers frameworks for critiquing decisions. Each section is carefully structured to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

In Part A, the authors provide an overview of the decision-making process in forensic psychiatry, including the legal and ethical frameworks that govern it. They discuss the importance of evidence-based decision-making, the role of expert testimony, and the ethical considerations involved in making decisions about the care and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders. The authors also explore the challenges of decision-making in complex cases, such as those involving multiple perpetrators, victims, and families.

Part B presents a series of real-life clinical cases that illustrate the complexities of decision-making in forensic psychiatry. These cases cover a wide range of topics, including sexual assault, violence, suicide, and mental health law. Each case is accompanied by a discussion of the medical, legal, and ethical issues involved, as well as the decision-making process that was followed. The cases are designed to challenge the reader's thinking and encourage them to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations.

Part C offers frameworks for critiquing decisions in forensic psychiatry. The authors provide a series of tools and techniques that can be used to evaluate the quality of decisions made in clinical practice. These include decision analysis, risk assessment, and ethical decision-making frameworks. The authors also discuss the importance of reflection and self-awareness in decision-making and the role of peer review and supervision in ensuring the quality of care.

Throughout the casebook, the authors emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to decision-making in forensic psychiatry. They highlight the need for collaboration between psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, and other professionals to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the individuals involved. The authors also emphasize the importance of ethical and legal considerations in decision-making and the need to balance the rights.

The Oxford Casebook of Forensic Psychiatry is an essential resource for anyone working in the field. It provides a comprehensive and practical guide to decision-making in clinical, forensic, and legal psychiatry, drawing on a wealth of real-life clinical cases and expert insights. The casebook is well-organized, accessible, and engaging, making it an invaluable tool for practitioners, students, and researchers alike. Its robustly discursive approach to a fact-based but also value-laden discipline enhances the opportunity to put knowledge into practice and improve the quality of care provided to individuals with mental health disorders.

Weight: 786g
Dimension: 189 x 246 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198842057