Psychological Assessments in Medico-Legal Cases: Lessons from the Field 🔍 At King George's Medical University (KGMU), Department of Psychiatry, we often get medico-legal cases for major crimes like murder. Recently, I had a particularly challenging one involving a severe crime. This experience reinforced the importance of having an in-depth knowledge of psychological tests, such as the Rorschach. Basic knowledge simply isn’t enough. When reliable informants or detailed patient histories are unavailable, our tests become the cornerstone of accurate diagnosis. It's imperative to be adept with these tools to navigate the nuances and complexities of each case. Mental Status Examination (MSE) stands out as an invaluable ally to our assessments. A thorough MSE not only guides us towards a precise diagnosis but also fortifies our confidence in the conclusions we draw. This level of thoroughness is essential, as our reports can significantly impact lives and the course of justice. My learning: The importance of doing a thorough MSE and having mastery in it is vital. As clinical psychologists, we must develop this skill. Being certain and confident in our assessments and reports is not just a professional responsibility; it’s a moral one. The stakes are incredibly high, and our work has profound implications. It can and will affect someone's life. I am grateful to have encountered such cases in my MPhil training at KGMU. These cases provide lifetime learning and invaluable lessons. #Psychology #MedicoLegal #MentalHealth #ClinicalPsychology #PsychologicalAssessment #MentalStatusExamination #ProfessionalResponsibility
Great update!
Thank you for sharing your experience! Very curious to know what information from a thorough MSE and RIBT were you able to use to understand the MLC better?
Valuable post!
Medico legal cases require extra vigilance because lives and justice sometimes are in our hands. Good insight 🌟
Clinical & Counselling Psychologist | Founder of Stressless Minds | Trauma informed Hypnotherapy, NLP, & DBT Specialist | Helping Individuals & Schools Manage Stress & Mental Health
4moA lot of work has to be done in Pakistan in this part of our field but I'm really happy to read that it is happening and we have such insighfult and smart people like you in it, we are lucky to have you ❤️🙏