ABSTRACT

In this study, it was aimed to draw attention to the importance of the effect on a forensic report of trauma-related mental health effects and their frequency revealed in psychiatric consultation requested by the Forensic Medicine Polyclinic for cases exposed to different kinds of trauma.

A retrospective examination was made of 192 cases data consulted to the Psychiatry Department for a report requested by the judicial authorities between June 2016 and September 2019. Psychiatric evaluation of the cases was made by psychiatrists according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5).

In the study, 192 cases, 54 male (28.1%) and 138 female (71.9%) were evaluated. The average age of the cases was 39.44±13.84 years. In 164 (85.4%) cases, the diagnostic criteria of a psychiatric disorder according to DSM-5 were met. Of 164 cases with a psychiatric disorder, although the physical effects of the trauma in 147 (89.6%) cases were classified as “of a nature which can be eliminated with a simple medical intervention”, the injuries of the mental effects were determined as “of a nature which cannot be eliminated with a simple medical intervention”. When the relationship between the incident and gender was examined, 76.6% (n:118) of assault crimes were determined to have been perpetrated against females (p<0.005).

In this study, findings of mental trauma were revealed, and consequently, the effect on the forensic report was determined. A multidisciplinary approach to trauma cases will provide more robust judicial management.

Keywords: Trauma, Forensic Report, Psychiatry, Consultation