Mental health problems manifest in many ways. Depression, mania, addiction and psychosis have profound effects on behavior. Sometimes substance use and psychiatric disorders interact and amplify symptoms. Some psychiatric disorders are marked by poor insight. These patients may leave treatment and struggle to manage in the community. Some of the most dramatic psychiatric symptoms are hallucinations and delusions. Also known as psychotic symptoms, these represent a break with reality so complete that the person may engage in behavior that is completely incomprehensible to the rest of the world. A careful examination and report of the individual’s symptoms and mental state, however, may “paint a picture” of the psychosis and give others a chance to understand the perspective and beliefs that drive the psychotic behaviors.
This month’s criminal topic is Evaluation of Mental Health for Mitigation. Topics covered are:
- Life Experiences (11/7/14)
- Youth and Immaturity (11/14/14)
- Substance Use (11/21/14)
- Psychiatric Symptoms (11/28/14)
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