The principles of risk assessment

Abstract 

Risk is the likelihood of an adverse event occurring. This article concentrates upon the principles underlying risk assessment in psychiatric practice. It briefly notes the different types of risk assessment. It sets out a simple framework for risk assessment. It highlights the importance of accurate information, the limits of the duty of confidentiality and the difficulty of predicting rare events. It focuses on risk to self and others, rather than on the broader concepts of medication adherence and risk of deterioration in mental or physical health.

Keywords: mental health, risk assessment, suicide, violence