A study of cumulative records and psychologist files in 12 representative districts permitted a comparison of the EMR placement of those later decertified (D) with matched nondecertified (EMR). Records showed no systematic differences between D and EMR groups in pre-EMR reasons for referral nor in teacher marks. (Author)

Many jurisdictions require psychiatrists to assess patient "dangerousness" in the process of involuntary hospitalization. Considerable research indicates that psychiatric prediction of dangerous behavior is rather inaccurate, the principal error being one of overprediction. Inaccuracy may result, in part, from the psychiatrist's role in the health…