Forensic psychiatry in north Africa.
OBJECTIVE
This is the first review of literature regarding forensic psychiatry in north Africa that analyzes diversity of practice in this region of the world and its impact on mental health patients dealing with the judicial system.


RESULTS
The present study shows similarities and differences in various countries in north Africa. In fact, there are many more similarities than differences, because of a lack of resources, both in the mental health and in the judicial systems.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study gives an overview of forensic psychiatry in north Africa during the past 40 years. This practice is not well organized, despite the fact that mental health legislation and human rights review bodies exist.
Hamaoui
Youssef El
YE
Ibn Rushd University Psychiatric Center, Casablanca, Morocco bDepartment of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. elhamaoui@gmail.com
Moussaoui
Driss
D
Okasha
Tarek
T
D000352:Africa, Northern; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*