Risk Assessment in Psychiatry : A Guide for Lawyers

This work examines the risks that are associated with psychiatric disorders and demonstrates both the possibilities and the limitations of psychiatric risk assessment. The term 'risk assessment' is customarily taken to mean the evaluation of the risk of aggression or other untoward behaviour that has a major influence in situations concerning, for example, family and child practice and the criminal law.

However, the alternative meaning attributable to the term, namely the risk of occurrence of mental disorder, which has substantial implications for personal injury law and employment law is also addressed in detail.

As mental disorder is now acknowledged to be so widespread (and underdiagnosed), its effects are to be felt in all areas of life. Risk Assessment in Psychiatry: A Guide for Lawyers is essential reading for lawyers in various fields of specialisation (criminal, family, employment and personal injury law), social workers, probation officers, occupational health professionals and those working within insurance.