What is the main focus of forensic psychiatry?

The primary focus of forensic psychiatry is on the intersection of mental health and the legal system. This field addresses legal issues such as criminal responsibility, competency to stand trial, and the effects of mental illness on criminal behavior. Forensic psychiatrists often evaluate individuals involved in legal proceedings to offer insights regarding mental health conditions and their implications for legal contexts.

While other fields, such as developmental disorders or the mental health treatment of children, may involve aspects of psychological care, they do not specifically engage with legal concerns as the central focus. Similarly, research on aging, while important in its own right, does not directly address the legal issues integral to forensic psychiatry. Thus, the emphasis on legal problems and infractions distinctly characterizes this area of psychiatry.