Sadistic personality disorder (SPD) has been underresearched and often misunderstood in forensic settings. Furthermore, personality disorders in general are the subject of much controversy in terms of their classification (i.e., whether they should be categorical or dimensional). The Sadistic Attitudes and Behaviors Scale (SABS; Davies & Hand, 2003; O'Meara, Davies, & Barnes-Holmes, 2004) is a recently developed scale for measuring sadistic inclinations. Derived from this is the Short Sadistic Impulse Scale (SSIS), which has proved to be a strong unidimensional measure of sadistic inclination. Through cumulative scaling, it was investigated whether the SSIS could measure sadism on a continuum of interest, thus providing a dimensional view of the construct. Further, the SSIS was administered along with a number of other measures related to sadism in order to assess the validity of the scale. Results showed that the SSIS has strong construct and discriminant validity and may be useful as a screening measure for sadistic impulse.

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Adult forensic mental health services provide care and treatment to individuals with complex offending and mental health histories. However, little attention has been paid to the parents of those receiving care within them. This research explored the experiences of parents with an adult son or daughter with mental illness in a medium secure mental health unit. Transcripts from semi-structured interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This led to the identification of three superordinate themes: 'Something's not right'-onset of mental distress; 'It's a terrible battle'-relating with professionals; and 'A very sad fact of life'-caring with no end in sight were identified which together contained nine subordinate themes. The onset of the mental distress was narrated as overwhelming, frightening, and confusing with experiences of violence. Services were seen as invalidating, and interactions with them characterized as a battle. Poor information and involvement were a common experience. Whilst diagnosis was a relief to some, the ongoing sense of loss and burden were clear. Staying connected and hopes for the future were also described. It is clear from this study that mental health services need to do more to engage and foster trust with parents from the outset and to offer support for this group. If secure services were to view parents as 'forensic carers', this may help improve respect and engagement between services and carers. Services and policymakers should strive to foster high-quality family involvement as part of developing social inclusion.

Interpersonal support seemed to be lacking in workplaces, where discrimination was a reality for people with psychosis. Further study into what facilitates coping with symptoms in the workplace is needed.

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The aim of this research was to explore young women's experience of living with type 1 diabetes. Nine young women aged between 18 and 24 took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Four main super-ordinate themes emerged; ;the relationship with the body', ;personal challenges', ;the impact of relationships' and ;changing and adapting'. These themes provide a deeper understanding of the issues faced by young women with type 1 diabetes. The implications for clinical practice are discussed.

The rapid development of new forensic mental health services and treatments has created a demand for research and evidence relating to the effectiveness of interventions. Unfortunately, the literature on outcomes of treatments for mentally disordered offenders is sparse, compared with the substantial 'what works' literature regarding non-disordered offenders in the criminal justice system. In this paper we propose that single case research methodologies have a part to play in remedying this unsatisfactory state of affairs. The strengths and limitations of single case methods are discussed and comparisons made with RCTs, particularly in the context of dangerous and severe personality disorder (DSPD) services in England and Wales. Important strategic decisions that need to be made in relation to the implementation of single case experimental methods are outlined.