As part of the Summer School of Forensic Psychology at the Faculty of Organizational Studies “Eduka”, a highly significant professional lecture titled “Personality Disorders in a Forensic Context” was held, providing participants with a deep and systematic insight into one of the most complex areas of modern forensic psychology.
The lecture was delivered by Associate Professor Bojana Grahovac, PhD, who, through a theoretically grounded yet highly practice-oriented approach, presented the ways in which personality disorders are identified, understood, and analyzed within the context of the legal and criminal justice system. Particular emphasis was placed on how different psychopathological profiles can influence offenders’ behavior, decision-making, impulse control, interpersonal relationships, and attitudes toward responsibility.
The central part of the lecture focused on contemporary classification systems and their importance for forensic assessment. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the differences between ICD-10 and ICD-11, particularly the shift from the traditional categorical approach to a more modern dimensional model of understanding personality disorders. This approach allows for a more precise, nuanced, and clinically useful assessment of personality, especially in situations where it is necessary to understand the severity of dysfunctional behavioral patterns.
Dr. Grahovac also devoted special attention to the comparison between DSM-IV and DSM-5 classifications, highlighting changes in diagnostic criteria and their significance for judicial practice. Through the analysis of antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic personality disorders, it was emphasized how important it is for forensic professionals to distinguish between diagnostic categories and specific behavioral patterns relevant to understanding criminal acts, risk assessment, and forming expert opinions.
A particular value of the lecture lay in connecting psychological diagnostics with the real demands of forensic practice. Participants gained insight into how personality disorders are considered when assessing criminal responsibility, how the risk of recidivism is evaluated, and why communication with individuals belonging to the so-called Cluster B — emotionally intense, dramatic, and often interpersonally challenging personality structures — represents a specific professional challenge.
The lecture by Associate Professor Bojana Grahovac, PhD, contributed to a better understanding of the complex relationship between personality, psychopathology, behavior, and legal responsibility. In this way, the Summer School of Forensic Psychology once again confirmed its value as an academically and professionally relevant program that provides participants with access to current knowledge, modern approaches, and leading experts in the field of forensic psychology.
