Type:	Journal Article
Title:	The problem behaviour model:the development of a stalkers clinic and a threateners clinic
Other Titles:	Behavioral sciences and the law
Authors:	MacKenzie, Rachel Ogloff, James R P Mullen, Paul E Warren, Lisa J
Keywords:	Mental health;Perpetrators;Stalking
Year:	2005
Publisher:	John Wiley & Sons
Citation:	23, 2005
Notes:	General Overview: In this Australian article the authors investigate the nexus between psychiatry and psychology to address phenomena associated with specific problem behaviour (e.g. stalking, arson and making threats) and their relationship to criminal offences. This approach tries to overcome some of the limitations of other approaches, such as only looking at changing behaviour, that may overlook or ignore psychopathological and social contributions or examining the symptoms of mental disorder, that may have a priority that overshadows the psychological causes of behaviour. The article explores the development of a Stalkers Clinic and Threateners Clinic, based in the outpatient clinic of a statewide forensic mental health service. The clinics provide expert assessments of perpetrators and these problem behaviours for courts, community corrections, regional mental health services and private clinicians. The assessment process used with clients is outlined. The discussion encompasses issues of confidentiality, use of patient histories, interviews, consideration of motives, evaluation of psychopathology and its impact on the problem behaviour, and use of psychological tests. The article outlines the clinics’ use of a variety of approaches for conducting treatment, including functional analysis, individual treatment, medication and ongoing psychological treatment, cognitive behaviour therapy and addressing client deficits such as empathy. The clinics’ data are used to conduct research studies exploring the characteristics, problems and effective treatment strategies for people exhibiting these problem behaviours. The two clinics have now been amalgamated into one so that the problem behaviour model can be better applied. Conclusion:The article concludes that the most desirable approach to forensic mental health services is to expand their scope beyond the prevailing focus on active symptoms of mental disorder and to move towards a problem behaviour model.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/12286
ISSN:	0735-3936
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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