Training in forensic psychiatry when no nationally recognised scheme exists

Abstract

There is no nationally recognised training scheme in forensic psychiatry in Spain but rather a dichotomy between legal doctors, trained to assess offenders and provide reports for the courts but not necessarily in psychiatry, and psychiatrists, trained in clinical management and treatment but not necessarily in relation to offender patients. This dichotomy arose as training pathways diverged historically, legal medicine being the older discipline. In this system, the courts are always assured of an independent medical opinion, although treating psychiatrists would generally advise on release decisions. Almost all offender-patient treatment is in prisons. The system is heavily dependent on the goodwill and drive of practitioners who seek to provide themselves with dual skills in the absence of national guidance and support for such training.