The Devil You Know, with Dr Gwen Adshead and Linda Yueh
Jun 25, 2021
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Dr. Gwen Adshead, a leading forensic psychiatrist with three decades of experience, discusses the complexities surrounding violent crime and rehabilitation. She challenges societal perceptions of evil, emphasizing the importance of understanding the psychological impact of childhood trauma on offenders. The conversation dives into gender dynamics in violence, the mental health crises in prisons, and the transformative power of therapy for rehabilitation. Through compelling examples, Adshead invites us to see beyond stigma and embrace empathy in addressing these critical issues.
Dr. Gwen Adshead emphasizes the need to humanize violent offenders by understanding their complex narratives and mental health issues.
The podcast discusses identifying root causes of violence, such as childhood trauma and substance abuse, to inform prevention strategies.
Deep dives
The Role of AI in Modern Industry
AI technology is rapidly becoming integral across various sectors, from self-driving cars to advancements in molecular medicine. Regardless of perceptions of hype surrounding AI, its impact on business efficiency and innovation is undeniable. Companies need to adapt to this evolution, especially those not yet utilizing AI, as the trend indicates that it's on the horizon. Organizations must find ways to integrate this technology while managing costs and leveraging optimal cloud solutions like Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to support their operations.
Understanding Evil: Insights from a Forensic Psychiatrist
Dr. Gwen Adshead's work focuses on redefining societal perceptions of individuals who commit violent crimes. Her book invites readers to explore the complexities and narratives surrounding those deemed 'evil' by society. By sharing the personal stories of offenders, she encourages a deeper understanding of their motivations, mental illnesses, and the surrounding circumstances that may have led to their actions. This perspective seeks to humanize violent offenders, prompting a reconsideration of how society should approach rehabilitation and treatment.
Risk Factors for Violence
The discussion identifies key risk factors contributing to violent behavior, particularly among young men. Factors such as substance abuse, early exposure to violence, and unresolved childhood trauma significantly increase the likelihood of violent acts. According to Dr. Adshead, societal strategies for addressing violence should focus on understanding these underlying issues, rather than solely treating the symptoms of violence. By addressing these root causes, communities can foster preventive measures that help to reduce overall violence rates.
The Complexity of Treatment for Violent Offenders
Treatment for violent offenders emphasizes the importance of addressing their mental health to prevent future violence. Dr. Adshead highlights that while some individuals respond positively to rehabilitation efforts, others may resist treatment or fail to change their behaviors. The process of therapy involved not only improving mental health but also fostering a sense of social connection to decrease the risk of violence. This nuanced approach recognizes the complexity of rehabilitation, allowing for the possibility of change while acknowledging that some individuals may be more resistant to help.
Dr Gwen Adshead is one of Britain's leading forensic psychiatrists, and has spent thirty years providing therapy inside secure hospitals and prisons. Whatever her patient's crime she aims to help them to better know their minds by helping them to articulate their life experience.
In the face of overcrowded prisons and cuts to mental health care, Adshead speaks to Linda Yueh about why we need to challenge what we think we know about evil. To order the book click here: https://bit.ly/3d9SVsX