Role of Forensic Mental Health in Lone-Actor Violence

Abstract

Lone-actor terrorists are more likely than group-based terrorists to have mental health problems. When an alleged terrorist is arrested and prosecuted, there are a number of ways that their mental health can become pertinent: behavioral issues in the jail, competency to stand trial concerns, a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, sentence mitigation, or psychiatric treatment in prison. Forensic mental health professionals provide assistance in such cases, either in treatment or evaluation roles. In a treatment role, a mental health professional provides treatment (e.g., medications) in a jail or prison. In an evaluation role, a mental health professional provides an opinion about the impact of a defendant’s mental health on competence to stand trial and/or criminal responsibility. These are legal decisions, ultimately decided by a judge or jury with consideration of forensic mental health professionals’ opinions. The legal standards and procedures for these decisions vary depending on the country and state.