Research Questions Regarding Mental Disorders and Violence

One of the tasks for forensic psychiatrists is to clear up the relationship between violent crimes and mental disorders. The defendant cannot be blamed in cases where delusions have influenced his/her behavior decisively. In such cases, the defendant’s criminal responsibility should be carefully evaluated according to the psychiatric evidence. It is possible for the defendant with untreated schizophrenia or some other severe mental disorder to avoid harsh punishments because of their disability [1]. Meanwhile, offenders with mental disorders must be offered adequate mental health services. These treatments are important not only for the offender but also for public safety. Therefore, it is essential to accurately assess an offender’s mental status.