Mindhunting: Journeys in Forensic Psychiatry Dr Michael Schirripa

Global superstar and musical phenomenon, Taylor Swift, dropped an impressive double album, The Tortured Poets Department, during her record-breaking Eras Tour in April 2024. So, what does a forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist make of the messages the album gives us and Swift's enormous capacity to use the darkness of grief and loss for conversion into stunning creativity?

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric illness that can intersect with forensic psychiatry, but what is it? What are the myths and what are the realities? What are the real symptoms, their neurobiology and why might they increase the risk of harm? Come and let's chat about it! And, of course, in pop culture let me tell you about an amazing novel from the 1990s that so articulately describes this illness. (Trigger warning: description of violent crime).

Welcome to the first bonus episode: Micro Mindhunts! These mini episodes will see pop culture lay on my couch as I give my forensic psychiatric analysis. First patient in the waiting room? None other than Dr Hannibal Lecter. Serial killer, cannibal, forensic psychiatrist, culinary master ... or is he really just misunderstood? Come with me as we find out.

So just how does a forensic psychiatrist undertake the task of an assessment? What are the interviewing techniques that are used and just what is a mental state examination? Listen as I take you right into the interview room. As always, some thought-provoking pop culture will also look at forensic psychiatry on the big screen! (Trigger warning: description of a violent crime).

The tragic case of Andrea Yates teaches us so much about a crucial aspect of forensic psychiatric assessments: the motivation behind horrendous crimes. Listen as we explore the interplay between psychosis and the ability to understand right from wrong, with a stunning criminal trial ripped right from the pages of a TV thriller. (Trigger warning: description of violent crime)

Let's look back in time to uncover the origins and history of forensic psychiatry. From the ancient world, to medieval Europe through to contemporary practices. Just how, and WHY, did this fascinating area of medicine evolve? Just when did the 'insanity defense' arrive? And, of course, I will serve up a tasty slice of pop culture on a historical theme.