The special pressures and problems related to correctional work were then discussed. The psychiatrist is sometimes seen adversarially, as a member of the correctional staff, and this creates problems with trust. There should be a clear delineation of the role of the psychiatrist in a correctional setting. It is important to distinguishing and keeping separate the forensic role and the clinical role. Too often the roles are blurred.
Stress is a constant problem.
If full-time, there is a danger of burn out. There is a need to advocate for research in this area, which is lacking. This population may be particularly suited for well structured studies in violence, brain damage, etc. The issues of dual-diagnosis and mentally ill chemical abusers is of great importance in correctional psychiatry. Another member of the audience spoke of the failure of our country's drug policy that has resulted in often severe overcrowding.