Abstract:

Customers with forensic psychiatric histories sometimes require links with a number of services to establish work readiness. This article discusses the case of an individual accused of petty theft who claimed amnesia for the crimes. The services involved provided different (sometimes contradictory) information. An occupational assessment with a work psychologist revealed a complicated medical, social and psychiatric history and a pending conviction. To clarify the customer's situation, an assessment from a renowned traumatic stress expert was recommended resulting in a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder complicated by depression resulting from a recent job termination. The Judge in the court case accepted this new expert evidence and a second conviction with a custodial sentence was avoided. The specialist also advised on suitable treatment, which enabled the Work Psychologist to advise the Disability Employment Adviser on appropriate future work and related support; and the Social Services and Criminal Records Bureau on the customer's 'treatable' condition.

Keywords: DELUSION; DISSOCIATIVE DISORDER; HIPPOCAMPAL FORMATION; POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD); PSYCHOGENIC AMNESIA; THEFT

Document Type: Research article