Individual cases: the risk, the challenge

Abstract

Translating research findings in the area of risk assessment into daily practice can be problematic. The aim of this paper is to illustrate and compare how professionals from different backgrounds apply their knowledge and expertise to individual cases and clinical situations. Three case vignettes were formulated, depicting typical histories and dilemmas that might be encountered in the everyday practice of forensic psychiatry. For each case, commentaries were invited from three professionals in the field belonging to different disciplines. All respondents recognized that some degree of risk was present, an essential prerequisite to considering a plan of action as to how to reduce it. International and professional differences of emphasis and approach serve to illustrate the importance of a multidisciplinary input, perhaps especially in relation to the most seriously violent offences.