Exploring Intimacy in Forensic Mental Health Care

Speaker: Dr.Elnike Brand (University of Queensland, Australia)

Session Format: Oral Presentation | In-Person & Virtual

Presentation Title: Between sanity, sexuality, and sentences: Understanding intimacy inforensic patients

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🧠 Session Overview & Key Insights

• Theme: Understanding sexual functioning and intimacy in community-based forensic patients living with serious mental illness (SMI).

• Unaddressed Gap: While sexuality has been studied in general and custodial populations, the sexual health of forensic patients in the community remains largely overlooked.

• Research Framework:

– Quantitative surveys assessing sexual knowledge and sexual experiences

– Qualitative interviews exploring desired vs. actual sexual functioning

• Participant Profile: Adult forensic patients in South-East Queensland receiving psychotropic treatment for SMI.

• Core Findings:

– Widespread deficiencies in sexual education and awareness

– Reduced frequency of sexual activity and significant medication-related sexual dysfunction

– High interest in intimacy despite limited opportunities and social barriers

– Clear demand for clinician-led support in addressing sexual health needs

• Clinical Relevance: Integrating sexual health into recovery-oriented forensic mental health practice can significantly improve patient outcomes.

• Takeaway Message: Sexual expression is a legitimate and essential human experience that should be recognized within forensic mental health care to enhance dignity, recovery, and quality of life.

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👩‍⚕️ Meet the Speaker

Dr. Elnike Brand is a Specialist General Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist, registered with AHPRA and a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

• PhD Scholar at the University of Queensland

• Specialist training in forensic psychiatry and impairment evaluation

• Postgraduate expertise in ADHD assessment and child custody evaluations

• Member, Society of Australian Sexologists

• Director, Specialist Mind Care, with extensive medicolegal experience

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🌏 Be Part of the Conversation

International Conference on Addiction Medicine, Mental Health and Psychiatry

📅 March 23–25, 2026

📍 Singapore & Online

📝 Registration: https://addiction.miconferences.com/register

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