A Clinical and Forensic Guide to Cults and Persuasive Leadership

This book reviews the theoretical, clinical, and forensic issues pertaining to cult leaders, followers, and those who encounter them. It will appeal to psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health professionals, criminal investigators, attorneys, and academics, and those with educational interest in cults and similar organizational frameworks.

Cults and other forms of persuasive leadership have become increasingly topical for clinical professionals. However, little has been established on how to understand and approach them in a clinical and forensic context. Authored by experts in forensic psychiatry and psychology, this book reviews the theoretical, clinical, and forensic issues pertaining to cult leaders, followers, and those who may encounter them in a variety of social, medical, and legal contexts. This text applies evidence-based study to specific group subtypes to facilitate conceptualization, understanding, treatment, and approach to cult leaders and members alike. Chapters review the empirical basis of the contemporary understanding of cults and organizations with similar frameworks, addressing issues as they relate to unique populations, comorbid mental disorders, mind-altering substances, treatment, and the forensic and legal implications inherent to them. This book will appeal to psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health professionals, and those working in the judicial system.