Abstract

CARTAGENA PRECIADO, Andrea  and  SANCHEZ ACOSTA, Daniela. Socio-demographic, methodological and diagnostic analysis of expert reports in psychiatry and psychology for legal decision-making Centro de Estudios en Derecho y Salud (Medellín, Colombia). Rev. Crim. [online]. 2024, vol.66, n.1, pp.59-71.  Epub May 15, 2024. ISSN 1794-3108.  https://doi.org/10.47741/17943108.559.

X The aim of this study was to analyse the socio-demographic, methodological and diagnostic characteristics of the expert reports in psychiatry and psychology carried out at the Centre for Law and Health Studies between 2011 and 2020. We opted for a quantitative, descriptive approach with analytical, cross-sectional, retrospective design. The information obtained from 145 expert opinions was analysed. A univariate analysis was carried out for all sociodemographic, methodological and diagnostic variables in the expert reports, according to their qualitative or quantitative nature, and a bivariate analysis through contingency tables for the aforementioned variables, with confidence intervals of 95 % for each of the prevalence measures. It was found that the majority of expert opinions were requested by the area of contentious-administrative law. The most prevalent diagnoses were adjustment disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive disorder. Although the reports reviewed comply with the minimum legal guidelines, there were some shortcomings related to the absence of information. It is hoped that these findings will allow for reflection on the part of justice officials on the requirements of expert reports with a view to the humanisation of justice and support for legal decision-making.

Keywords : Psychological assessment; forensic psychiatry; forensic psychology; mental health; expert witnesses.

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