title: I'll See You in Court…Again: Psychopathology and Hyperlitigious Litigants.
abstract: Persistent litigation is a problem in many legal jurisdictions and is costly at individual and systemic levels. This phenomenon is referred to as "querulous" behavior in psychiatric literature, whereas legal discourse refers to it as "vexatious litigation." We refer to this phenomenon as "hyperlitigious behavior" and those who engage in these actions as "hyperlitigious litigants." Hyperlitigious litigants and hyperlitigious behavior were once the focus of a considerable amount of psychiatric literature, but research devoted to these topics has declined over the past half century. A review of the published literature on hyperlitigious behavior in European and English-speaking countries highlights geographic differences in the conceptualization and management of this behavior. We provide an alternative framework to consider the motivation to engage in hyperlitigious behavior and suggest three strategies for mental health professionals who interact with these individuals. Finally, we call for a revival of discussions and research within the English-speaking psychiatric community to facilitate more informed decisions regarding the management and treatment of hyperlitigious behavior.
authors.affiliation: Mr. Coffey is a Student and Dr. Brodsky is Professor Emeritus and Scholar in Residence, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, Mr. Sams is an attorney with the Community Tax Law Project in Richmond, VA. cacoffey1@crimson.ua.edu.
authors.forename: C Adam
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Coffey
authors.affiliation: Mr. Coffey is a Student and Dr. Brodsky is Professor Emeritus and Scholar in Residence, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, Mr. Sams is an attorney with the Community Tax Law Project in Richmond, VA.
authors.forename: Stanley L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Brodsky
authors.affiliation: Mr. Coffey is a Student and Dr. Brodsky is Professor Emeritus and Scholar in Residence, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, Mr. Sams is an attorney with the Community Tax Law Project in Richmond, VA.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Sams
mesh_terms: D019548:Crime Victims / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D003702:Delusions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D007603:Jurisprudence; D010259:Paranoid Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011599:Psychopathology; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States