Malin Hildebrand Karlén

Malin Hildebrand Karlén is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Gothenburg, affiliated with the Section of Organisation, Health and Addiction. She holds a PhD (2016) focusing on alcohol-influenced witnesses to violence and has extensive experience in psychiatric addiction care and forensic psychiatric care. Her academic credentials include a Psychology degree (2012), Licentiate in Philosophy (2013), and licensed psychologist certification (2015).

Her teaching areas include addiction psychology, personality psychology, psychiatric diagnostics, cultural psychology, and statistical methodology. Research interests span forensic psychology/crime, cognitive effects of alcohol/drugs, dual diagnosis (trauma/ADHD in addiction), forensic psychiatric decision-making, and the historical evolution of psychiatric diagnoses. Notable historical focus includes 19th-20th century diagnostic trends and societal perceptions of madness.

Recent work explores expert decision-making in forensic investigations, pharmacological interventions for criminal recidivism, and gratitude among forensic patients with substance use disorders. She has published extensively on topics like psychopathy-linked violence, lethal offender profiles, and the intersection of trauma and substance abuse. Her research bridges experimental psychology (e.g., intoxicated witness memory) and clinical practices in forensic settings.

• Education: Phil. Mag. Psychology (2007), Phil. Mag. History of Ideas (2010), PhD (2016)
• Key Research Themes: Forensic psychiatry, addiction neurobiology, diagnostic historiography
• Current Projects: Forensic psychiatric assessment methodologies, ADHD/trauma comorbidity