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Violence Risk Assessment — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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ModerateForensic PsychiatryViolence Risk AssessmentMRCPsych Paper B

A forensic psychiatrist assesses an adult patient in a medium-secure unit using a structured professional judgement instrument for general violence risk. The assessment includes rating the presence and relevance of historical and dynamic risk factors, constructing a risk formulation, developing future violence scenarios and producing a risk-management plan. Which tool is being used?

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Correct answer: B — HCR-20 V3

The correct answer is B, HCR-20 V3. It is a structured professional judgement tool for assessing and managing general violence risk in adults. Its 20 items comprise 10 Historical, 5 Clinical and 5 Risk Management factors. Version 3 requires assessment of each factor's presence and relevance, followed by formulation, scenario planning and management planning; it does not generate risk solely from a numerical total. The PCL-R assesses psychopathic traits rather than providing a complete general violence-risk assessment. SARA is designed specifically for intimate-partner violence, while SAVRY is intended for young people. AUDIT screens for hazardous and harmful alcohol use and alcohol dependence.

Reference: Royal College of Psychiatrists. Assessing risk: Structured professional judgement section. Accessed 19 August 2026. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/members/supporting-your-professional-development/assessing-and-managing-risk-of-patients-causing-harm/assessing-risk/