Comparison of Structure and tasks of Forensic Psychiatry in Iran and European Countries

The purpose of the study was to compare forensic psychiatric setting in Iran with European countries.
First a qualitative study (experience expression) was done, interviewing the forensic psychiatrics. Then to understand the sections of forensic psychiatry department, articles, scientific references and the relevant sites were reviewed. Their work was analyzed using emails and phone calls. Recording data forms that included different services, the way they worked and human resources’ potential in forensic psychiatric system in any of the chosen countries were filled accordingly.
Findings: In most studied European countries, the examination method, treatment, rehabilitation and post discharge care are the same. Observing the patient’s behavior and social interactions is one of the most important diagnostic tools. In Europe, forensic psychiatric activities’ focus is on criminal matters: risk assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of criminal patients. The more executive diagnostic facilities of forensic psychiatry and secure mental hospitals with special deparments are important factors that make significant difference.
Despite the differences that exist in European departments of forensic psychiatry’s activities, similarities are observed in factors such as mental patients’ examination method, diagnostic and treatment facilities, preparing a psychiatric report for the court. The activity of Iranian’s system isn’t functional enough in comparison to European system, due to factors like lack of standardized and secure diagnostic facilities, and limited access to criminal patients and courts. To improve the system, our country should consider some actions such as: establishment of standardized sections in prisons and psychological hospitals, longterm program to establish special hospitals, using common and standard tools of risk assessment and establishment of follow up clinics and nursing (guardian) houses for post discharge care of criminal patients.