The Seminars series of books, which are published by Royal College of Psychiatrists Publishing in association with Cambridge University Press, are designed to meet the needs of trainees for a deep dive into relevant topics across various specialty areas. As such these books are clinically focused with specialist trainees in mind, although they often appeal to a much broader readership.

While Seminars in Forensic Psychiatry has an international flavour and a British focus in the main, it is of particular Irish interest. This second edition is edited by Dr Mary Davoren of the National Forensic Mental Health Services (formerly of Broadmoor Hospital) and Professor Harry Kennedy of Trinity College Dublin and previously the Executive Clinical Director of the NFMHS. It was interesting to read about the UK based law, although it was not directly relevant to my clinical practice at this time. The scope of this book is truly impressive. A wide range of topics including prison psychiatry, terrorism related assessments, stalking and academic psychiatry are covered. There are also chapters dedicated to vulnerable patient groups such as those with Intellectual disabilities and children and adolescents.

In the opening paragraph of chapter seven, Professor Harry Kennedy provides a comprehensive introduction as to why models of care are important. This is a chapter that is not only of interest to those working within forensic services but has relevance in all branches of psychiatry and those in Public Health. The chapter defines what a model of care is, that is, it is how health care is delivered. He provides a comprehensive guide with reference to the 4 core elements; goals, pathways and processes, treatments and evaluation and logic models. Those who have experience working in a forensic unit will recognise much of what is described and will gain a better understanding of the rationale behind many measures that have been put in place. There is reference to the practical use of structured professional judgement instruments to aid decision-making. Professor Kennedy takes a very logical approach to provision of beds across a forensic unit. The book concisely summarises how many beds per unit are likely based on median lengths of stay. This is applicable internationally.

As a trainee in psychiatry (BST, year 3) who hopes to pursue higher specialist training in Forensic Psychiatry, I found that the section on personality disorders was of especial value. Professor Jeremy Coid opens chapter 11 by addressing the complexities in assessing those with a personality disorder in forensic practice. He goes on to highlight how the change from ICD 10 to ICD 11 will impact on forensic practice, particularly in relation to being an expert witness. I had not considered the potential implications the new framework would have on forensic practice. The advice is simple, refer to the DSM classification when assessing personality disorders in a forensic context.

Professor Coid describes different personality disorders as seen in a forensic context. It is advised to be conscious that what appears to be a diagnosis of autism or a personality disorder could in fact be psychosis. It is also noted that a personality disorder is not always the cause of criminal behaviour.

He gives anonymised case studies to give context to how criminal behaviour is associated with specific personality disorders. These anecdotes aid in making the chapter more accessible for trainees. There is an emphasis placed on anti-social personality disorder with good reason as this is the most prevalent personality disorder in forensic settings. I found the section on psychopathy of particular interest. Professor Coid gives a comprehensive description of the criteria for psychopathy with reference to Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist and to Cleckley’s ‘The Mask of Sanity’. He describes the ‘four facet model;’ these are the four areas assessed for in psychopathy; ‘interpersonal, affective, lifestyle and antisocial’. Again Coid shares a case study describing a 49-year-old male who scored highly on the PCL-R and highlights the particular nuances within each facet.

The final chapter is a ‘no-nonsense guide’ to being a consultant forensic psychiatrist. This is a very practical chapter in a very conversational style which covers everything from how to organise your office to how to navigate the Mental Health Act Office and upcoming tribunals. There is a wide range of contributors including consultants in Ireland, The UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand. The book ends with very real advice on experience in becoming a clinical director from the ‘what I wish I knew’ perspective.

In summary, this second edition of ‘Seminars in Forensic Psychiatry’ has clinical relevance to both early career psychiatrists and the new consultant. I believe it will be a great aid for those working in this challenging field.