Threats Against Clinicians: A Preliminary Descriptive Classification

Threats against psychiatrists are common, but existing studies on the subject lack descriptive information about the nature and resolution of the threat. In the present study, clinicians who had received threats were interviewed in person or by telephone, and case histories were summarized. Threats were classified as situational and transferential. Demographic factors, precipitating events, and legal actions taken are described. The manner in which clinicians reacted to threats is also discussed. "No physician, however conscientious or careful. can tell what day or hour he may not be made the object of some unde-served attack, malicious accusation, blackmail, or suit for damages.... " I Since this observation was published in 1892, threats against clinicians remain ubiquitous. Yet the nature of the threats is the subject of limited research and of only Dr. Brown, formerly a resident at Albert Einstein Med-ical Cenlcr, Philadelphia, PA and a forcnsic fellow i