FMT - Second Year BHMS

FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY

Delusion

Delusion is a false belief that is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. It is a symptom of various psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Delusions can be of different types such as:

  • Monosymptomatic delusions: A single, fixed delusion, often related to a specific topic like persecution or infidelity.
  • Poly symptomatic delusions: Multiple delusions that may change over time.
  • Hypothetical delusions: A belief in a hypothetical scenario, such as a person believing they have a specific illness.
  • Doxastic delusions: A fixed belief that is not necessarily related to reality.

Delirium

Delirium is a state of confusion and altered consciousness, often caused by a medical condition, medication, or substance use. It can be acute or chronic and can have cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms.

Illusion

Illusion is a misperception or misinterpretation of a real sensory experience. It is different from a delusion in that it is based on a real stimulus. Examples of illusions include:

  • Auditory illusions: Hearing sounds that are not there.
  • Visual illusions: Seeing things that are not there or misinterpreting real visual stimuli.
  • Tactile illusions: Feeling sensations that are not there.

Hallucination

Hallucination is a sensory experience that is not based on external stimuli. It can be auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, or tactile. Hallucinations can be a symptom of various psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Impulsive Obsessive Disorder

Impulsive obsessional disorder is a condition characterized by recurring, intrusive thoughts or impulses to perform specific actions. These thoughts or impulses may be distressing, and the individual may feel compelled to act on them.

Mania

Mania is a state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, often accompanied by increased energy, activity, and poor judgment. It can be a symptom of bipolar disorder or other psychiatric conditions.

ICD-11 Classification of Insanity and Mental Subnormality

The ICD-11 classification system includes categories for various mental health conditions, including:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders: Conditions that affect cognitive, emotional, or behavioral development, such as intellectual disability.
  • Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders: Conditions characterized by hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking, such as schizophrenia.
  • Bipolar and related disorders: Conditions characterized by mood swings, such as bipolar disorder.
  • Anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and stress-related disorders: Conditions characterized by excessive anxiety or fear, such as anxiety disorders.

Civil and Criminal Responsibilities of a Person with Mental Illness

A person with mental illness may have reduced civil and criminal responsibilities due to their condition. This can include:

  • Incapacity to stand trial: A person may be deemed incapable of standing trial due to their mental state.
  • Diminished responsibility: A person may be deemed to have diminished responsibility for a crime due to their mental state.
  • Involuntary commitment: A person may be involuntarily committed to a mental health facility if they pose a risk to themselves or others.

Mental Health Act

The Mental Health Act is a law that regulates the involuntary commitment and treatment of individuals with mental illness. The act includes provisions for:

  • Involuntary commitment: A person can be involuntarily committed to a mental health facility if they pose a risk to themselves or others.
  • Treatment: A person can receive treatment while they are involuntarily committed.
  • Discharge: A person can be discharged from a mental health facility if they are no longer a risk to themselves or others.

Admission of an Insane Person to a Mental Asylum

The admission of an insane person to a mental asylum is a complex process that involves:

  1. โ†’ Assessment: The individual is assessed to determine whether they pose a risk to themselves or others.
  2. โ†’ Commitment order: A commitment order is issued, and the individual is taken to a mental health facility.
  3. โ†’ Treatment: The individual receives treatment while they are in the facility.

Care of a Mentally Ill Person

The care of a mentally ill person involves:

  1. โ†’ Assessment: The individual is assessed to determine the nature and severity of their condition.
  2. โ†’ Treatment: The individual receives treatment, which may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
  3. โ†’ Support: The individual receives support from family, friends, or mental health professionals.

Discharge of a Mentally Ill Person

The discharge of a mentally ill person involves:

  1. โ†’ Assessment: The individual is assessed to determine whether they are no longer a risk to themselves or others.
  2. โ†’ Treatment plan: A treatment plan is developed to ensure the individual continues to receive treatment and support after discharge.
  3. โ†’ Follow-up: The individual receives follow-up care and support to ensure they continue to receive treatment and support.