Shrunk: Crime and Disorders of the Mind(2 True Cases)

Shrunk: Crime and Disorders of the Mind is a collection of powerful stories by forensic psychologists and psychiatrists who write about the many complex mental health issues they face and the care involved in dealing with them. Unlike any other book within the genre of True Crime, Shrunk forms a unique bridge between mental health and law. Chapters focus on cases where judges and juries call upon the opinions of forensic experts when dealing with the mentally disordered criminally accused. Shrunk is written and edited to appeal to medical and legal professionals; students of medicine, psychology, and law; and the interested general public.

About the Author :
Dr. J. Thomas Dalby is a psychologist who has been in practice for 43 years and specializes in forensic psychology and neuropsychology. He held appointments with the faculties of social science and medicine at the University of Calgary for 33 years and remains affiliated with Athabasca University and has been since 1977. He is the author of over 120 articles and books in law, psychology and medicine.

Review :
The workings of a criminally disordered mind has always been a fascinating subject for experts and lay persons alike. What causes someone such as Clifford Olsen to become probably the most evil serial murderer in Canadian history? How do trials play out for these individuals? Does our prison system simply throw away the key after they are incarcerated or is it worthwhile to attempt to rehabilitate such persons? Canadian and international psychiatrists and psychologists answer interestingly such questions in Shrunk, through their writings of true cases. --Earl Levy QC, Barrister This highly readable and fascinating book provides unique and personal insights into all-too-real instances in which unbridled mental disorder resulted in tragedy and loss, and wreaked havoc in the lives of perpetrators, victims, and their families. The book provides a glimpse into the often-hidden, troubled, and dark side of human behaviour. The compelling accounts of crimes committed by mentally ill offenders are told by experienced and highly respected psychologists and psychiatrists on the front-lines of the highest-profile mental disorder cases. Shrunk's authentic portrayal of what mental illness is really like, and what it can do to people, sets it apart from any other book of crime stories." --Dr. Hy Bloom, LLB, MD, FRCPC, Consultant in Forensic Psychiatry Scholarly inquiries into discrimination in Canadian society tend to concentrate on race and ethnicity, with occasional reference to physical disability. This traditionally narrow focus eclipses the legacy of systemic discrimination experienced by persons with mental disabilities, particularly those accused of a crime. Skewed public perceptions and social prejudices about mentally ill offenders have resulted. In turn, justice for such offenders is at risk. The practical experiences of the contributors to Shrunk: Crime and Disorders of the Mind, told in an easy-to-read format, go a long distance to correct those perceptions and mitigate those prejudices, particularly for the average citizen. This book should be on everyone's must-read list. --John Rosen, Rosen Naster Barristers Experiencing an enduring mental illness is a profound personal struggle that I would not wish on anyone! Shrunk: Crime and Disorders of the Mind promotes awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the complexities in diagnosing, treating, and supporting the recovery of those living with a mental illness who come in conflict with the justice system. Shrunk contains true and painful stories of lives tormented by mental illness and criminalization, their victims, and the families who suffer alongside them. And yet, this volume offers the hope that therapeutic jurisprudence works and that recovery is possible in living beyond the limitations of mental illness with meaning and purpose. But it takes the support of a caring community. A caring community that is informed and knowledgeable. Shrunk takes the reader behind the scenes of disordered minds, disabling mental health systems, and despairing families and victims by dispelling myths and misunderstandings. For many this will be a distressful and uncomfortable read, but for every reader an illuminating and elucidating one. --Chris Summerville, CEO, Schizophrenia Society of Canada, The psychological and psychiatric forensic experts I encountered over decades of criminal law practice, both as Crown prosecutor and defence counsel, whether consulted by myself or by opposing counsel, were invariably highly qualified, experienced, principled and objective. Shrunk: Crime and Disorders of the Mind describes the diligence and commitment of these forensic experts who intervene before and at trial on the issue of fitness to stand trial, possibly providing evidence that the accused is not criminally responsible. It was gratifying to work in many cases with such exemplary professionalism. C.D. Evans QC, Barrister