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Causality and Causation in Law, Medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychology: Progression or Regression?

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Abstract

In this article, I review recent developments in the areas of law, medicine, psychiatry, and psychology concerning causality and causation. I analyze the validity of the 2008 edition of the American Medical Association (AMA)’s guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment and its accompanying volume on causation. I conclude with recommendations for a synthetic approach to causality in the legal field and a more consistent model of impairment in the mental health one. The AMA’s book on medical causation needs careful revision.

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Acknowledgement

Many thanks to reviewers for their helpful comments on the text.

Conflict of interest

In terms of possible conflicts of interest, the author has obtained most of his attorney referrals and psycholegal referrals from plaintiff rather than defense attorneys and assessment companies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Glendon College, York University, 2275 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3M6

    Gerald Young

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  1. Gerald Young
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Correspondence to Gerald Young.

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The author’s work has been supported by course leaves granted by both Glendon College and York University and editorial grants from Springer Science + Business Media.

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Young, G. Causality and Causation in Law, Medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychology: Progression or Regression?. Psychol. Inj. and Law 1, 161–181 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-008-9017-0

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