危險心智：司法精神醫學專家的暴力犯罪檔案

by Taj Nathan, 李偉誠 (Translator)

他們為何殺人？
這些兇手是瘋子，還是天生壞胚子？
對罪行有什麼感覺，以及有自覺嗎？
怎樣的心理歷程、精神症狀，或是適應不良，
讓他們一步步偏離常軌，選擇了暴力犯罪。

「連環殺手」、「弒母」、「殺嬰」，有關暴力與行為異常等駭人聽聞的事件，背後通常有個藏在頭條新聞底下、我們所不知曉的真實人物。心理健康問題不該與危險畫上等號，但有些危險行為必須從精神病學切入了解。

從事司法精神醫學工作超過二十年，塔吉．納森醫師透過經手的奇特案件，探討暴力行為背後的心理歷程。

※妄想症患者賽伯：他深信眼前的媽媽是個冒牌貨，還綁架了真正的母親，他必須戳破這個騙局，用刀刺殺她……

※嚴重情感缺失的艾米特：他刺殺兩個家人，卻無法解釋原由。他感受不到別人的痛苦，哭泣不是為了失去家人，而是事件對自己造成影響。

※人格疾患患者娜琳：在女兒的飲品中加料，最終致死。她只是想帶女兒去醫院，透過拍照上傳網路、博取關注，讓她感受到與他人的連結。

※性施虐症患者保羅：他不諱言會因為想到他人受苦而感到性興奮……當他掐住對方，看見她那恐懼的神情，就再也回不了頭。

本書作者曾擔任上百起案件的專家證人，他實際接觸書中十位犯罪者，細膩呈現與他們的對話過程，並以令人信服的醫學角度分析這些「病患」，讓我們得以一窺在監獄、法庭與病房中的這些人，是如何受到童年創傷或社會與文化影響，才選擇往危險行為靠攏。

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Psychology

304 pages, Paperback

Published March 27, 2024

Reviews

[Clive Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written account of an understanding and critique of not only interesting case studies, but to illustrate points, intriguing parts of criminal history (legal and clinical) are ideally placed throughout.

Though I work in mental health, there is plenty more for me to understand and learn, highlighted here. Well written reflections on quite famous cases endure this will appeal to a broad readership, rather than just those with an interest in psychiatry.

[Ali Hassan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Dangerous Minds" by Taj Nathan is a compelling exploration of the complexities of human psychology, societal norms, and the thin line that separates brilliance from madness. Nathan, a skilled storyteller, dives deep into the lives of individuals who challenge societal expectations and norms, highlighting the struggles they face and the revelations they uncover.

The narrative is gripping, blending rich character development with thought-provoking themes. Nathan's prose is both engaging and accessible, making complex psychological concepts understandable without sacrificing depth. The characters are multidimensional, drawing readers into their worlds as they navigate their perilous journeys through societal rejection and self-discovery.

One of the standout aspects of the book is Nathan's ability to intertwine personal stories with broader societal commentary. He effectively examines how society defines 'dangerous' behavior and the consequences of labeling individuals based on their mental health or unconventional thinking.

Overall, "Dangerous Minds" is not just a reflection on mental health and genius; it is a call to embrace the complexities of the human experience. Through Nathan's insightful writing, readers are encouraged to confront their perceptions of normalcy and appreciate the beauty in diversity of thought and experience. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in psychology, philosophy, or the intricacies of the human condition.

[Jenny Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taj Nathan is a forensic psychiatrist who works as both a “treating” psychiatrist and as an expert witness in court cases where a psychiatric evaluation is required. Over the course of his career he has worked hard to develop an understanding of the minds of his patients who display violent and dangerous behaviour. He shares that journey of discovery in this book, citing 11 case studies from his portfolio and augmenting the evidence with examples of historical cases. He explains why a psychiatric diagnosis is so much more complex than a medical diagnosis, demonstrates how the laws of the land were shaped and formed by new psychiatric developments, describes the differences between the legal and the professional approaches to psychiatric disorders and also gives an insight into why compassion is necessary, even when dealing with violent criminals.

This is a fascinating book, if a little hard-going at times. Each case study is accompanied by considered arguments for and against various diagnoses and treatment plans for the perpetrators of the violent crimes. By the end of each chapter I felt that I had got just a little way inside the head of a violent offender and the result was not always quite what I expected. The author also invites us to visit the world of the legal profession and explains why legal cases are so complex when it comes to the psychiatric state of mind of the perpetrators. This is not just because of diagnostic difficulties and the potential for differences of opinion between different psychiatrists, but also because the legal definitions of some of the pertinent issues do not necessarily conform with the psychiatrists’ understanding of matters.

There is no doubt that this book deserves to be read carefully as there are a lot of complex arguments buried within it. This does require quite a lot of concentration but it is worth it as the arguments provide fascinating insights into the way the legal system has had to be altered over the years to keep up with advances in the understanding of mental health issues.

This book would appeal to anybody who enjoys True Crime as well as those who have an interest in psychotherapy or legal judgements which are contingent on mental health issues. In actual fact I have no particular interest in any of these topics but I still found the book fascinating.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent audiobook, I loved how the author links his cases to more notorious ones, and also explains the history of legislation surrounding psychiatry and criminal law.
It’s written in a way that the average Joe can pick the book up and read it without any previous knowledge of psychiatry, but in depth enough that it will satisfy the readers with a little more background.
Interestingly, I was talking to a relative of one of my own patients (I’m not psych background at all) - who happened to be a Consultant Psychiatrist and we ended up discussing this book, he also really enjoyed it and recommends it to his own friends.

I’d definitely recommend it, and will read other books if the author writes more.

[abbie burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forensic psychology is my favourite book genre and I don’t see that ever changing. Big love to Dr Taj Nathan for providing me with a glimpse into his insightful mind and allowing me to accompany him on his endeavour to understand violence. Through reading this book, you come to understand that violence has no single cause; it is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by socioeconomic, psychological, and geographical life circumstances and expectations. Under the right circumstances, any one of us is capable of violence.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Fascinating insight into the minds of criminals, and how they think, and I especially like Dr Nathan’s desire to understand why these people think the way they and he does not judge. He’s very good at placing himself (and us) inside criminals’ minds.

[dwillsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and insightful book written by a very experienced forensic psychiatrist.

[Ayten · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Marcie Kemp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the case studies were interesting, got lost in some places but overall it was a good overview about how social/biological factors can come into play with violence.

[Amanda Curtin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.. too much legal jargon for me

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

好悶