Forensic Psychiatry in South Asia: An Overview
摘要
Although forensic psychiatric services are an integral part of the mental health services component, they are largely under development and neglected in South Asian countries due to various reasons like low priority and budget for mental health, lack of trained human resources, inadequate collaboration between law and mental health professionals, poor human rights conditions, and outdated legal structures. Along with regular issues, prison mental health services, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence are largely neglected despite a high burden and demand for mental healthcare. This chapter discusses the enduring status and challenges of forensic psychiatric aspects, including law and mental health, substance abuse, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and prison mental health. There is a need for a multipronged approach to expand forensic psychiatry services in the South Asian region, including increasing government spending on healthcare, developing dedicated programs for forensic psychiatry training, and updating the legislation over time.