Forensic psychiatry evaluation in a U. S. immigration detention center in southwest Texas

J Forensic Leg Med. 2019 Aug:66:113-116. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.06.017. Epub 2019 Jun 27.

Abstract

Immigration and asylum-seeking are issues that have recently. warranted increased attention and significance. In the aftermath of terrorist attacks, people are more wary of asylum seekers who are usually held in detention centers after fleeing persecution and not for criminal or immigration charges. Asylum seekers may raise suspicions due to inconsistent statements and can be held in detention for the duration of the process and/or denied asylum. Inconsistencies may be influenced by psychiatric symptoms, cognitive abilities, the type of past trauma experienced, the questioning style of the interviewer, and are usually unrelated to dishonesty or malingering making psychiatric consult important in many of these evaluations.

Keywords: Asylum seeker; Detention center; Forensic psychiatric evaluation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adjustment Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Adult
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Female
  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological*
  • Refugees / psychology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis*
  • Texas