4 Hours / 4 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Differentiating Delusional Disorder from Extreme Beliefs: An Introduction to the 17-Factor Model is presented by Mark Cunningham, PhD, ABPP in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).

Threat assessment professionals and forensic mental health experts face a challenging differential in determining whether a potential violent actor or post-violence defendant suffers from a delusional disorder or is simply radicalized in his extreme religious or political beliefs. An SPJ tool termed “Model of Analysis for Differentiating Delusional Disorder from the Radicalization of Extreme Beliefs–17 Factor" (MADDD-or-Rad-17) is available to aid in systematically distinguishing these cases and in promoting transparency in associated reports and testimony.

In this model of analysis (SPJ), 7 primary arenas of analysis were distilled from scholarship regarding features of delusions and delusional disorder. Seventeen factors are specified for operationally defining and qualitatively describing the 7 primary arenas of analysis. Within each factor, features may be specified that further disaggregate the analysis. This program serves as an orientation to the MADDD-or-Rad-17.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe the diagnostic criteria for delusional disorder
  • 2 Describe five factors that render the differential between delusional disorders and extreme political beliefs more challenging
  • 3 Describe seven primary arenas of analysis for making the differential
  • 4 Describe 17 factors illuminating the seven primary arenas of analysis for making the differential

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for psychologists interested in threat assessment and forensic mental health, with particular relevance for those specializing in forensic psychology, clinical assessment, threat evaluation, and legal or correctional environments. It is designed for professionals involved in threat evaluation or management, as well as those working in legal, correctional, or court-affiliated settings, and members of threat assessment teams.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:
    • Psychologist (Forensic, Clinical)
    • Threat Assessment Professional
    • Legal or Correctional Professional
    • Member of Threat Assessment Team
    • Mental Health Professional

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

    • Beginner: New to threat assessment or forensic mental health; limited experience distinguishing delusional disorder from radicalized beliefs; seeking foundational knowledge of the MADDD-or-Rad-17 model and its application.

    • Intermediate: Some experience with forensic evaluations or threat assessments; familiar with basic diagnostic criteria for delusional disorder; seeking to deepen understanding of the 7 primary arenas and 17 factors for differential analysis.

    • Advanced: Extensive experience in forensic mental health or threat assessment; proficient in complex differential diagnosis; seeking advanced strategies for applying the MADDD-or-Rad-17 model in high-stakes cases and expert testimony.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals who participate in this training typically work in environments where the assessment and management of potential threats, violence risk, or complex mental health presentations intersect with legal, correctional, or institutional systems. These settings often require collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, detailed documentation, and the ability to provide expert opinions or testimony. Workplaces may include secure facilities, court systems, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, or specialized threat assessment units, where professionals routinely evaluate individuals for risk of violence, mental health disorders, or radicalized beliefs.

    Examples of Practice Settings:
    • Forensic psychiatric hospitals or secure mental health units
    • Correctional facilities or prisons
    • Court clinics or court-affiliated mental health services
    • Law enforcement agencies or police threat assessment units
    • University or school-based threat assessment teams
    • Private forensic psychology or threat assessment practices
    • Government agencies focused on public safety or national security
    • Community mental health centers with forensic or risk assessment services
Presented By

Mark Cunningham, PhD, ABPP

Mark D. Cunningham, Ph.D., ABPP is a Seattle-based, board-certified clinical and forensic psychologist, researcher, and prolific scholar, authoring more than 60 publications that have been cited an aggregate of 1800+ times in the scholarly literature, as well as by SCOTUS (Moore v. Texas, 2017) and in amici briefs. He is routinely engaged to provide peer-review for scientific journals in criminology, criminal justice, forensic psychology, and professional psychology, with Publons ranking his peer reviewer activity at the 97th percentile. Dr. Cunningham’s forensic practice is national in scope and he is licensed in 12 states. He has been involved in 60+ Atkins determinations and has several publications on this topic. He has provided more than 100 scholarly symposium, workshops, CE, and CLE presentations at regional and national conferences.

Dr. Cunningham’s research and practice have garnered regional, national, and international recognition. These include: the 2021 American Academy of Forensic Psychology Award for Distinguished Contributions to Forensic Psychology; the 2019 American Correctional Association Peter P. Lejins Research Award; a 2017 commendation by the international John Maddox Prize committee; the 2012 National Register of Health Service Psychologists A. M. Wellner, Ph.D. Lifetime Achievement Award; the 2006 American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Contribution to Research in Public Policy; the 2005 Texas Psychological Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to Science; and 2006 election as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 41, Psychology-Law Society). While serving as a naval officer and clinical psychologist at the Naval Submarine Medical Center early in his career, Dr. Cunningham was decorated with a Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious service.

Dr. Cunningham earned his doctorate in clinical psychology at Oklahoma State University and did his clinical psychology internship at the National Naval Medical Center. He completed a two-year NIMH-sponsored post-doctoral program at Yale University School of Medicine and was honored as the outstanding trainee.
We are proud to partner with

American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)

American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)

We are proud to partner with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) for this training. AAFP is a non-profit organization of board-certified forensic psychologists whose mission is to contribute to the development and maintenance of forensic psychology as a specialized field of study, research, and practice. The Academy does this by providing high-quality continuing education workshops, providing a forum for the exchange of scientific information among its members, and conferring awards upon outstanding students and practitioners in the field of forensic psychology.

Learn More About Our Partner

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).


Sponsorship Approval Statements

Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Palo Alto University maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073.