The Devil You Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry

by Gwen Adshead

It is important to grasp that most murders depend on the perpetrator’s particular relationship with the victim, and outside of that relationship the danger is minimal. Contrary to irresponsible media reports, people who have killed are not generally dangerous to everyone.

Sometimes people are unlikeable because they don’t like themselves, a truism that extends well beyond forensic settings.

People who are severely depressed and at high risk of suicide are more likely to describe themselves as feeling numb and emotionally disconnected, as opposed to having feelings of sadness.

it’s important, not least for safety’s sake, that everyone accepts that sex offenders don’t have distinguishing features, any more than terrorists do. “Neat and boring” was my first impression of Ian, much like other men in his position, who generally don’t want to attract attention to themselves, in or out of prison.