Area of specialty preferences of forensic authorities in forensic psychiatric evaluation requests: a university hospital experience

Abstract

Area of specialty preferences of forensic authorities in forensic psychiatric evaluation requests: a university hospital experience Objective: In this study, we aimed to find the relevant factors of forensic medicine, child and adolescent psychiatry, and psychiatry fields’ preferences in the forensic psychiatric assessment requests of forensic authorities. Method: Case records which are consulted to Erzurum Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Psychiatry Departments between 01.01.2010 and 31.12.2010 were assessed retrospectively. Results: Of the 330 cases who were assessed, 54.2% (n=179) were male, 45.8% (n=151) were female, 54.8% were (n=181) child and adolescent, and 45.2% (n=149) were adult. In the light of our results, forensic authorities noticed the difference of choice between forensic medicine and child and adolescent psychiatry when consulting child and adolescent cases. Besides there was no difference for the choice between forensic medicine and psychiatry in the forensic psychiatric evaluation of adult cases. Discussion: It is thought that interdisciplinary approach which was formed by developing law practices of specialty area choice in the forensic psychiatric evaluation requests of forensic authorities is an important step for achieving accurate results. Conclusion: Evaluations in the area of forensic psychiatry should be made with cooperation of related disciplines.