Definition

Within the field of forensic psychology, the utilization of clinical neuropsychological expertise for criminal forensic cases can be considered a subspecialty of the field. Denney and Wynkoop (2000) modified Mrad’s (1996) multiple data source model (MDSM) to the practice of criminal forensic neuropsychology. The purpose of the model is to provide a framework for clinicians to evaluate all relevant sources of information, most notably information relevant to the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense. The model covers three time points of analysis: present, time of offense, and prior history. Moreover, the model assesses symptoms/behaviors, explanations, etc., via the self-report of the defendant as well as via other sources of data (e.g., neuropsychological tests, mental status exam, medical/neurological exam, arrest reports, witness statements, physical evidence, hospital/psychiatric records, employment records, family/friend reports, etc.). Once all of the relevant pieces of information are gathered, spanning the three time points, it is the role of the forensic neuropsychologist to consolidate the information and formulate opinions. Evaluators involved in criminal forensics typically have very different roles compared to general practitioners. Specifically, in forensic evaluations, the client is typically not the person being examined, and the ultimate goal is to evaluate the facts, not to maintain an alliance with the examinee as is the case in a clinical context. Moreover, forensic criminal evaluations typically involve much more extensive application of corroborative information as well as validated assessments of negative response bias, symptom validity, and malingering.

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