Towards an Evidence-Based Clinical Forensic Diagnostic Assessment Framework for Juvenile Fire Setting and Bomb Making: DSM-5 Quadrant

Abstract

Juvenile fire setting and bomb making (JFSB) poses clinical, cross-disciplinary, ethical, and legal challenges. For example, the discipline lacks an available assessment method that is specifically designed to guide the diagnostic work with JFSBs. Consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition; DSM-5), an expanded dimensional diagnostic framework referred to as the DSM-5 Quadrant is recommended as a valid approach to augment the clinical utility for both case conceptualization and crafting forensically relevant interventions aimed at these youth. This article identifies issues associated with assessing mental health symptoms frequently found within the JFSB population.

KEYWORDS:

• DSM-5
• juvenile fire setting
• DSM-5 Quadrant
• forensic psychology