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RESEARCH

Research constitutes a fundamental pillar of the Postgraduate Programme “Forensic Psychiatry,” contributing substantially to the interdisciplinary understanding of the relationship between mental health and law. Within the Programme, research activity focuses on the analysis of complex phenomena related to psychiatric assessment, criminal behavior, forensic expert testimony, and the management of individuals with mental disorders within the legal system.

Particular emphasis is placed on methodological rigor, ethical standards, and evidence-based scientific approaches, aiming at the production of knowledge that can be applied both in clinical and judicial settings. The research work conducted by students and faculty reflects contemporary international literature and strengthens the dialogue between psychiatric science and legal practice.

This section presents the research projects, publications, and scientific presentations carried out within the framework of the Programme.

Academic Research

During their studies in the Postgraduate Programme “Forensic Psychiatry,” students receive systematic training in research methodology and biostatistics, as reflected in the Programme’s Curriculum.

Through the completion of their Master’s thesis, as well as their practical training in institutions, services, and professional settings related to the field of forensic psychiatry, students are given the opportunity to participate in significant research projects and to conduct original research-based dissertations.

Within this framework, and with the support of faculty members and scientific collaborators of the Programme, several postgraduate students have contributed to the preparation and publication of scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Indicative Publications

  • Malikentzou, N., Douzenis, A., Chatzinikolaou, F., Bali, P., & Michopoulos, I. (2022). Modern bioethical issues: Euthanasia, physician assisted suicide and abortion. Comparative study of attitudes between physicians and law professionals. Psychiatriki, 33(1), 49–55. https://doi.org/10.22365/jpsych.2021.043

  • Stylianidou, C. A., Douzenis, A., & Giannopoulou, I. (2025). Involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation of children and adolescents: a retrospective analysis of Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office for Minors records. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-025-02821-7

  • Marinakis, D. (2022). Juvenile sexual offending: A descriptive study conducted at the Athens Juvenile Probation Service. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 11, 35–40.

  • Margaroni, A., & Giannopoulou, I. (2022). Allegations of child sexual abuse in cases of high-conflict divorce.Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 10, 7–17.

Participation in Scientific Conferences, Seminars and Workshops

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in scientific conferences, seminars and academic meetings and are actively supported by the Programme’s faculty and collaborators.

In recent years, postgraduate students of the Programme have participated in the following scientific events:

  • 3rd Panhellenic Conference of Forensic Psychiatry, Athens (9–11 December 2016)

  • 25th Panhellenic Congress of Psychiatry, Corfu (11–14 May 2017)

  • Scientific Conference “Forensic Psychiatry, Psychopathology and the Digital Era,” Athens (8 December 2017)

  • 26th Panhellenic Congress of Psychiatry, Kos (17–20 May 2018)

  • 4th Panhellenic Conference of Forensic Psychiatry, Athens (30 November–2 December 2018)

  • 27th Panhellenic Congress of Psychiatry, Heraklion, Crete (18–21 April 2019)

  • 28th Panhellenic Congress of Psychiatry (Online, 29 October–1 November 2020)

  • 29th Panhellenic Congress of Psychiatry (Online, 10–13 June 2021)

  • 5th Panhellenic Conference of Forensic Psychiatry, Athens (3–5 December 2021)

  • Forensic Psychiatry Seminar – “Current Issues in Forensic Psychiatry” (29 July 2022)

  • 30th Panhellenic Congress of Psychiatry, Thessaloniki (26–29 May 2022)

  • 31st Panhellenic Congress of Psychiatry, Rhodes (25–28 May 2023)

  • 6th Panhellenic Conference of Forensic Psychiatry, Athens (8–10 December 2023)

  • 32nd Panhellenic Congress of Psychiatry, Kalamata (23–28 May 2024)

  • 33rd Panhellenic Congress of Psychiatry, Ioannina (15–18 May 2025)

  • 7th Panhellenic Conference of Forensic Psychiatry, Athens (12–14 December 2025)

Conference Presentations by Postgraduate Students and Alumni

Students and alumni of the Postgraduate Programme “Forensic Psychiatry” have participated in scientific conferences with oral presentations and electronic poster presentations (e-posters).

Below are indicative presentations delivered at scientific conferences:

7th Panhellenic Conference of Forensic Psychiatry, Hellenic Association of Forensic Psychiatry, University of West Attica, Athens, 12–14 December 2025

  • Internalized Stigma and Self-Esteem in Individuals with Mental Illness: The Role of the Type of Psychiatric Hospitalization and Its Change Three Months Post-Discharge. C. Doukas, Psychiatry Resident, University General Hospital “Attikon”, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Stalking and Its Consequences for Victims in Greece, E. Kinna, Psychologist, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Psychological and Legal Experiences of Alienated and Non-Alienated Divorced Parents from Their Own Perspective in Greece Following Law 4800/2021. V. Frizi, Psychologist, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • The Contribution of Education to Social Reintegration: Perceptions of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women Who Attended the 1st Second Chance School of Eleonas Thebes Women’s Correctional Facility. D. Gkatsou, Psychologist, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Parental Alienation in Greek Case Law (2021–2024). P. Katsikeros, Judge, Athens Court of Appeal (Family Law Division), MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Emotional Abuse of Children in the Context of Parental Conflict: Judicial Attitudes and Court Practice of Greek Judges and Prosecutors. A. Xirogianni, Judge, MSc Forensic Psychiatry

6th Panhellenic Conference of Forensic Psychiatry, Hellenic Association of Forensic Psychiatry AKISA Building, University General Hospital “Attikon”, Athens, 8–10 December 2023

  • Psychopathy, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Violent Crime and Recidivism in Greek Prisons. L. Papadakis, Psychiatry Resident, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Infliction of Psychological Harm as a Modus Operandi of Domestic Violence in Criminal Law. V. Sgantzou, Attorney at Law, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Investigation of Psychological Trauma and Its Association with Aggression in Individuals with Personality Disorders or Maladaptive Personality Traits Compared to Control Subjects. A. Sympoura, Psychologist, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • The Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on Criminal Responsibility. V. Sgantzou, Attorney at Law, MSc Forensic Psychiatry

Round Table: New Greek Research Data in Forensic Psychiatry – Research within the MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA

Chairpersons: A. Douzenis – P. Ferentinos

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Law Enforcement Personnel. E. Syrmali, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Mental Health, Delinquency, Violent Behavior and Dangerousness Among Police Academy Cadets and Medical Students of NKUA. A.-L. Stavrekas, Psychiatry Resident (1st Department of Psychiatry, NKUA – Eginition Hospital), Police Lieutenant (Medical Services), MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Depression and Testamentary Capacity. S.-A. Prili, Attorney at Law, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Forensic Patients and Moral Judgment. E. Gouzi, Psychologist, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Forensic Social Work – The Greek Framework of Practice and Implementation. E. Georgiadou, Social Worker, MSc Forensic Psychiatry

Round Table II: New Greek Research Data in Forensic Psychiatry

Chairpersons: R. Gournellis – I. Michopoulos

  • Involuntary Hospitalization of Minors: Data from the Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office for Minors. C. Stylianidou, Attorney at Law, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • The Impact of Psychological Trauma and PTSD on the Reintegration of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals. C. Vlachosotirou, Psychologist, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Measurement of Self-Stigma and Social Stigma in Forensic Psychiatric Patients. D. Roumpeka, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • The Effect of Voluntary and Involuntary Psychiatric Hospitalization on Biological Markers in Patients with Schizophrenia. S. Adamou, Psychiatrist, MSc Forensic Psychiatry
  • Measurement of Attitudes Toward Mental Illness on Social Media: Investigation of Stigma and Derogatory Representations of Schizophrenia, OCD, Depression and Bipolar Disorder on Twitter. M. Mourgi, Psychologist, MSc Forensic Psychiatry

 

5th Panhellenic Conference of Forensic Psychiatry, Hellenic Association of Forensic Psychiatry, AKISA Building, University General Hospital “Attikon”, Athens, 3–5 December 2021

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Abused Women, Women with Recent or Ongoing Substance Use, and Formerly Incarcerated Women. Aik. Levaki, Psychologist, MSc Forensic Psychiatry, PhD in Philosophy & Social Studies
  • Modern Bioethical Issues: Euthanasia, Physician-Assisted Suicide and Abortion – A Comparative Study of Attitudes Among Health Professionals and Legal Experts. N. Malikentzou, I. Michopoulos, A. Douzenis, F. Chatzinikolaou. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” Athens, Greece; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Prejudice and Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness: Attitudes of Mental Health Professionals Toward Psychiatric Patient. Ch. E. Baladima, A. Douzenis, S. Stylianidis, M. Oikonomou. MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA; Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Department of Psychology
  • Journalists’ Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Individuals with Depression Compared to Schizophrenia. Ch. Souki, A. Douzenis, M. Oikonomou, I. Michopoulos, MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA
  • Empathy and Recognition of Facial Emotional Expressions in Individuals with Mental Disorders and Aggressive Behavior. G. Kounadi, A. Douzenis, I. Michopoulos, E. Rizos. MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA, Athens
  • Profile of the Complainant, the Accused and the Alleged Victim in Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse in the Context of Divorce or Parental Conflict. A. Margaroni, Social Worker, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Tzaneio General Hospital; Postgraduate Student, MSc “Forensic Psychiatry”. I. Giannopoulou, Assistant Professor of Child Psychiatry, NKUA, 2nd Department of Psychiatry, “Attikon” University Hospital
  • Juvenile Sexual Offending and Social Characteristics of the Inmate Population in Tripoli Correctional Facility. M. Chatzina, A. Douzenis, I. Michopoulos, Ch. Spiliopoulou. MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” NKUA, Athens
  • Criminally Non-Responsible Patients: Quality of Life and Functionality in Long-Term Units, Acute Units and the Forensic Psychiatry Unit of the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica (“Dafni”). A. Lytra, Mental Health Nurse, MSc Forensic Psychiatry, “Kallisti” Residential Facility, Psychiatric Hospital of Attica (“Dafni”)
  • Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office for Minors: Complaints and Alleged Victims. E. Marra, A. Douzenis, I. Michopoulos, MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA
  • Characteristics of Psychogeriatric Patients Hospitalized at Dromokaiteio Psychiatric Hospital and “Attikon” University Hospital in 2019. A. Petsouli, A. Douzenis, R. Gournellis, I. Michopoulos, MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA, 2nd Department of Psychiatry, “Attikon” University Hospital

4th Panhellenic Conference of Forensic Psychiatry, Hellenic Association of Forensic Psychiatry National School of Public Health, Athens, 30 November – 2 December 2018

  • Youth Exposure to Community Violence. O. Exarchou, A. Lytra, E. Bispiki, E. Siganaki, E. Spiridonos, K. Katsos. MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA
  • Internet-Guided Suicide. M. Zeibeki, L. Kalantzi, K. Kotzamani, K. Belisakou, G. Siouti, E. Tsamou, A. Douzenis. MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA
  • Aggression, Impulsivity and Emotional Intelligence in a Female Population. S. Gkioka, A. Douzenis, D. Kouroupaki. MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA
  • Cardiovascular Mortality and Psychiatric Medication. G. Kounadi, D. Kouroupaki, E. F. Meintanopoulou, S. Baras, Ch. Spiliopoulou, A. Douzenis. MSc “Forensic Psychiatry,” School of Medicine, NKUA

By selecting the link below, you can read the Regulation of Principles and Operation of the Ethics and Research Deontology Committee of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Research Ethics Regulation

RESEARCH: