Cultural Competence in Forensic Mental Health

As culturally relevant psychiatry becomes common practice, the need for competent and culturally relevant forensic psychiatry comes to the forefront. This volume, written by one expert in cultural psychiatry and another in forensic psychiatry addresses that need. By combining their expertise in these areas, they are able to develop and create a new body of knowledge and experiences addressing the issue of the cultural aspects of forensic psychiatry. Beginning with an introduction to cultural and ethnic aspects of forensic psychiatry, this volume will address basic issues of the practice, as well as more detailed areas ranging from the various psychiatric disorders to intensive analysis and discussion of how to perform forensic psychiatric practice in a culturally relevant and competent way. Also the book suggests methods for continued awareness and sensitivity to issues of cultural and ethnic diversity in the field.

Wen-Shing Tseng, M.D. is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture and the author of the Handbook of Cultural Psychiatry. Daryl Matthews, M.D. is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Forensic Psychiatry Program at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine, and Co-Director of Training in Forensic Psychiatry at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. Todd S. Elwyn, Clinical instructor in psychiatry and fellow in forensic psychiatry at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine, USA

Introduction: Culture andForensic Psychiatry. A. What is Culture? Law in various Cultures. Effects of Culture in Court. Possible Impact of Culture on the Legal Procedure and Decision. Universal Rule Versus Cultural Relativism. The Impact of Culture on Various Aspects of Forensic Psychiatry Service. The Goal, Scope and Nature of the Book. General Cultural Issues in Forensic Psychiatry Assessment. Basic Considerations for Transcultural Forensic Assessment. Special Attention Needed for Forensic Psychiatric Assessments. A Culturally Appropriate Approach to Examining Mental Status. Certain Legally-related Issues Requiring Cultural Consideration. Assessment of Malingering: Cultural Considerations. Particular Concern is Needed for Certain Populations. Psychological Testing for ForensicEvaluation. Transcultural Application of Psychological Instrument: General Issues. Conventional Psychological Tests. Specialized Forensic Assessment Instruments. Implications for Forensic Application. CulturalAspects of Psychiatric Disorders in the Forensic Context. Culture and Psychiatric Disorders: General Review. Psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorders. Schizophrenia. Delusional Disorders. Mood Disorders. Dissociation, Possession, and Multiple Personality Disorders. Substance-related Mental Disturbances. Conduct Disorder and Juvenile Delinquency. Sexual Disorders. Culture-related specific disorders. Cultural Dimensions of Various Crimes and BehavioralProblems. Spouse Abuse. Infanticide and Filicide. Child Abducting and Kidnapping. Violence Against Others. Homicide. Mass Homicide. Rape. Religion-related Wrongful Behavior. Conflict Between Religion Belief and Societal Law. Cultural Considerations in SpecificTypes of Forensic Evaluation. Cultural Input in Various Phases of the Legal Process. Culture Defense Strategy. Criminal Cases. Civil Cases. Family-related Issues. Legal Regulation of Psychiatry and MedicalPractice: Cultural Consideration. Psychiatric Care of Mentally Ill. Therapist-patient Relationship Problems. Ethic-legal Issues Relating to Medical Practice. Correctional Psychiatry: Culture-relevant Care andTreatment. General Issues. Cultural Considerations in Prison for Institutional Care. Care for Special Populations. Counseling for Offenders. CulturalAnalysis of Forensic Psychiatric Cases. Cultural Examination of Selected Landmark Cases. Analysis of Cases Using "Culture Defense". Cases that Proceeded with Input on Cultural Issues. Final Discussion and Comments. Closure: Review, Comments, andSuggestions. Review of Present Situation. Overall Cultural Comments. Suggestions for the Future. Subject Index