Violence, Psychiatric Disorders, & Substance Abuse in Youth & Adults

Location:  Foxborough, MA - Holiday Inn, Mansfield - Foxborough

While most persons with psychiatric disorders are no more or less violent than persons without psychiatric illness, when histories of violence, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders are combined these factors yield some of society's most potentially dangerous individuals. Risk of physical aggression, sexual aggression and/or other criminal misconduct raises questions regarding personal and community safety as well as responsible treatment planning and liability management.

This workshop describes different developmental pathways of antisocial behavior and their overlap with substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. While most youth with significant histories of misconduct will "desist" as they move towards adulthood, some will not and will comprise a challenging population with persisting misconduct in adulthood that is further aggravated by substance abuse and/or psychiatric disorder.

We will discuss the complex relationship between violence and co-occurring psychiatric disorders, such as psychotic disorders, mood disorders, impulse control disorders, and personality disorders. Particular attention will be paid to the relationships among violence and substance abuse, mental illness, and environmental influences (e.g., living situations, friends, and situational stressors) related to violence risk. Workshop participants will:

• Discuss historical, situational, environmental, and clinical factors associated with violence risk
• Tailor "best practices" treatments and other interventions to specific client symptoms
• Recognize the features of common co-occurring psychiatric disorders and their relationship with violence risk
• Select intervention strategies that play a role within a broader violence risk management strategy, and coordinate with other professionals for pragmatic treatment and violence interventions

This workshop is relevant for mental health practitioners and hospital, school, court, and corrections personnel. Workshop format includes lecture, discussion, and case examples.

Instructor:

Robert Kinscherff, Ph.D., J.D., a forensic psychologist and attorney, is Director of Clinical Services for Easter Seals of New Hampshire. He was formerly Assistant Commissioner (Forensic Mental Health), Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. Dr. Kinscherff is on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, Boston University School of Law, and the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Kinscherff's practice includes clinical and forensic evaluation of youth and adults in state and private hospitals, residential and outpatient facilities, and Courts. He has assisted state agencies in New England to develop risk management programs for persons with major mental illnesses and histories of significant physical or sexual violence. Dr. Kinscherff presents nationally and internationally with enthusiasm, humor, energy, and practical realism.