Overselling risk assessment

Abstract

Comments on an article by Ashimesh Roychowdhury {&} Gwen Adshead (see record 2014-12478-007). Their arguments struck a chord in exposing the flaws in risk assessment tools and their unjust application in preventative detention; however, the commentator was disappointed that they did not go further. All of these tools, structured clinical judgment included, apply population derived data to individuals, thus painting them with the behavior of their peers. The central flaw of risk assessment lies in presuming causality from association. The premise in these tools that symptom severity invariably correlates with risk is demonstrably fallacious, as any psychiatrist could counter-cite cases where treating the mental illness improves functional ability in patients who choose pro-criminal lifestyles. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)