A Survey of Practice at a Regional Forensic Service: What Do Forensic Psychiatrists Do?

Abstract

Nearly half of those seen in a forensic service were offered some form of help, but it did not reliably match that requested. In 63% of court reports there was no specific treatment recommendation, but where there was, it was likely to be accepted. Only one-third of all outpatients completed the treatment offered – 40% of the lapses were due to imprisonment. One-third of out-patient treatments were conducted under conditions of probation orders, and this form of compulsion was associated with a significantly higher number of completed treatment plans. Personality disorder was also associated with more treatment completions. These and other findings are discussed to assist in an understanding of the service.