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Introduction: On 10 February 2010, the American Psychiatric Association published an online draft of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which, like the previous editions, after having received several comments and contributions, was subject during the next following years, to the technical and scientific scrutiny, and, of course, susceptible to modification leading to a final improved version., Material and Methods: This article aims to analyze the changes proposed by this new review, investigate whether these have implications in the field of Forensic Psychiatry and discuss the implications identified., Discussion: In this perspective, the object of analysis are issues related to the classification and structuring of nosological entities, with special focus on personality disorders, substance abuse disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, psychotic disorders and also disorders suggested by external sources., Conclusion: the main changes proposed are essentially about diagnostic criteria, which, for some of nosological entities, may hinder the outcome of the expert assessment, while for others there could be otherwise, since the introduction of new models closer to reality appears to offer greater objectivity and diagnostic rigor.

Background and Aims: Forensic psychiatry has experienced a significant development in the last few decades. Several mechanisms underlie this shift, including deinstitutionalization of mental health patients and extraordinary progress in neurosciences, imaging technologies and psychology, just no name a few. This development has put in evidence specific needs for training and education. A review and comparison of forensic psychiatry training in several European countries, U.S.A. and Brazil is made., Methods: A mixed approach was used, including a) systematic literature review (Pubmed search, 1989-2009) and cross-reference search and inclusion; b) specific online sites search (e.g. medical associations or scientific societies responsible for forensic psychiatry training); c) direct contact with psychiatrists and forensic psychiatrists., Results and Conclusions: Forensic psychiatry training is still a heterogeneous field. While not all countries have specialization, subspecialization or competency certification in forensic psychiatry, there has been, however, a definite shift towards its individuation as a specific technico-scientific area. This contributes to an improvement in quality standards and promotes research. Notwithstanding, forensic training in general adult and child psychiatry's residencies should continue to be strengthened as it is likely that most forensic activities will remain at their care in the near future.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults has been associated to a higher probability of problems with justice. Studies in prison populations disclosed higher prevalence of this disturbance. ADHD association with personality disorders and higher substance abuse could partially help in the explanation of this phenomenon. Based in a literature review, the authors present a reflection on the possible implications of the ADHD diagnosis to Forensic Medicine. After a brief review of the clinical aspects, epidemiology, etiology and nosology of ADHD, its repercussions in the sphere of justice are analysed, namely the prevalence of associated criminality, risk factors and the co-morbidity with personality disorders and substance abuse. These elements are used as a base to the discussion of the results and to a subsequent reflection on the question of (in)imputability related with this disorder.