Articles for category: Expertise

The Role and Duties of Expert Witnesses in the UK Legal System

The role of the expert witness is frequently misunderstood. Contrary to certain portrayals in American media, which often depict expert witnesses as partisan advocates, expert witnesses within the UK legal system bear an overriding duty to the court itself. This fundamental distinction is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the function and obligations of expert …

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Higher level documentation practices in forensic psychiatry

Previously covered were the generalities of ‘documentation‘ and the extraction of four key principles: clarity, context, clinical reasoning, and patient engagement. This article aims to get into the actual nuts and bolts of documentation. Good documentation is not for the sake of ‘showing good documentation’. Good documentation is inseparable from providing high quality care. NHS …

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Decision-making in forensic psychiatry

Decision-making in forensic psychiatry is a multifaceted process that goes beyond mere discussion of facts. It involves a deliberate, analytical approach to weighing various factors and arriving at plans, outcomes or conclusions that are congruent with widely accepted standards of practice. Accurate documentation of this process is essential for professional, legal, and ethical reasons, and …

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What is forensic psychiatry?

Forensic psychiatry in the UK is a specialised branch of psychiatry that interfaces with the legal system. It focuses on the assessment and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. Forensic psychiatrists work in various settings, including secure hospitals, prisons, and community services. Their scope …

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The importance of listening in psychiatry

Many will be wondering what does ‘listening’ mean. Some believe that ‘listening’ means ‘obeying’, like when dad or mum would have said, “Listen to me!”. That’s not the concept for this article. Instead the concept is like listening to what is being said; similar to listening to a song or listening when watching a movie. …

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Organicity in psychiatry

Organicity is about considering the critical role of physical or physiological factors in the manifestation of psychiatric symptoms and signs, particularly in cases where: Whilst recognising that all psychiatrists have a duty to investigate whether physical illness may account for psychiatric symptoms, consideration of organicity takes a more focused angle based on the definition above. …

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Pain in psychiatric disorders

Understanding pain in psychiatric presentations is crucial due to the profound and multifaceted impact pain can have on mental health. Pain, whether acute or chronic, often serves as both a cause and a significant contributor to psychiatric disorders. Acute pain, stemming from sudden injuries or medical conditions, triggers biological responses that can exacerbate anxiety, stress, …

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To therapy or not – that is the question

Private or NHS therapy can be good or bad and everything in between. In May 2023, among many things I explored ‘What biological treatments are known to psychiatry?‘ I did not focus much of non-chemical therapies. I do so now. While the publisher and author(s) have used their best efforts in preparing information at this …

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Fathoming Section 62 of the MHA 1983

The Mental Health Act 1983 [hereafter MHA] provides many powers to detain patients for treatment in hospital. Many amendments were made in 2007. The legislation is complex – necessarily so – and aims to protect the welfare of patients who are detained and who are within its reach in the community. It is an intricate …

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Car repairs v human repairs

Today I was at my Citroen garage to have a malfunctioning driver’s side door handle replaced. I had problems getting in and out of the car. The problematic door handle should have been replaced 2 weeks ago when I and the car were present at the garage for other repairs. But on that occasion, I …

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