Forensic Psychiatry & Crime Fiction: Myths: Susan Hatters Friedman, MD – October 13 at 7:00 pm.

Hannibal Lecter is by far the most recognizable forensic psychiatrist in crime fiction. But he is the exception, rather than the rule, in my field. As a forensic psychiatrist who loves reading mysteries, I am often yanked out of otherwise amazing stories because of simple things about my field that writers get wrong, that research could easily correct. In this talk, I will address these myths and misunderstandings.

Susan Hatters Friedman, MD is a forensic and perinatal psychiatrist. She has practiced in forensic hospitals, general hospitals, court clinics, community mental health centers, and correctional facilities, and has worked as a forensic psychiatrist both in the US and New Zealand. Dr. Friedman is currently the President-elect of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL). She received the American Psychiatric Association’s Manfred Guttmacher Award for editing the book Family Murder: Pathologies of Love and Hate. She has published more than 100 articles. Her research has primarily focused on the interface of maternal mental health and forensic psychiatry, including notably child murder by mothers.