Psychiatric malpractice: the low frequency risks

This article updates a long-term study of psychiatric malpractice. The American Psychiatric Association professional liability insurance programme has insured an average of 10,000 psychiatrists each year since 1984. Two thousand malpractice insurance cases have been entered into a purpose configured relational database to permit analysis of clinical, demographic and economic variables. The results to date are reported and specific low frequency risks identified. Their significance for governmental and private sector mental health professionals is discussed.