Pretrial Forensic Evaluations As Intercept Point for Transition Age Youth with First Episode Psychosis

ABSTRACT

This study examines pretrial forensic evaluations as a potential intercept point for transition age youth experiencing first episode psychosis. Participants were defendants, ages 16 to 25, referred to an academic medical center for evaluations of competency to stand trial and/or criminal responsibility from 2010 to 2017. The target variables were analyzed using frequencies and descriptive statistics. Defendants newly diagnosed with a psychotic disorder comprised 15% of the total sample. The majority had a history of mental health treatment (59%) and/or previous arrests. Forensic evaluations may be an opportunity to identify first episode psychosis and improve prognoses for legally involved youth.

KEYWORDS:

• First episode psychosis
• forensic evaluation
• transition age youth
• sequential intercept model
• psychosis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Previous presentation

Data previously presented at the American Psychology-Law Society Annual Conference. Memphis, TN. March 8–10, 2018.