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Göranson L, Svensson O, Andiné P, Bromander S, Ask K, Bagge ASL, Hildebrand Karlén M. Which diagnoses and arguments regarding severe mental disorder do forensic psychiatric experts in Sweden consider in different cases? A qualitative vignette study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2024; 96:102003. [PMID: 39167850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2024.102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The decision-making process of experts in forensic psychiatric investigations (FPI) is complex and reasoning regarding psychiatric diagnosis and severe mental disorder (SMD, the judicial concept central to legal exemption in Swedish law) has severe ramifications. Nevertheless, the qualitative aspects of FPI experts' decision-making process have seldom been studied systematically. METHOD The participants (N = 41) were FPI experts: forensic psychiatrists (n = 15), forensic psychologists (n = 15) and forensic social workers (n = 11). Using three case vignettes and qualitative content analysis, it was explored how case-specific characteristics could affect which hypotheses FPI experts generated regarding a) psychiatric diagnosis and b) severe mental disorder and c) which information sources they required. Each case vignette described a diagnostically ambiguous case but indicated emphasis on: psychotic symptoms (case 1); personality disorder symptoms (case 2) and neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms (case 3). RESULTS Experts reasoned in a similar manner regarding generating hypotheses and required information, but also in a case-adapted manner. Experts considered various diagnostic alternatives, and some (e.g. psychosis) were mentioned for all three cases. Other diagnoses were only suggested as hypotheses in certain cases (e.g. case 3: intellectual disability). DISCUSSION In Sweden, a core basis for SMD is psychotic-like functioning, and psychosis was suggested as a hypothesis for all three cases. Experts reasoned in similar ways regarding SMD in all cases, considering various perspectives for and against SMD. Some case-specific arguments for and against SMD adapted to the psychopathological circumstances were found. These could be related to aspects of the SMD concept that become important to ascertain when the type of psychopathology indicated in the case vignette was present; for example, ascertaining reality monitoring for a person with potential delusions of being followed by a criminal gang requires investigation of criminal history and related conflicts. Taken together, FPI-experts considered a broad range of psychiatric diagnoses in various cases. Their reasoning regarding SMD was both based on general and case-specific (or psychopathology-specific) factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizel Göranson
- The Swedish Prison and Probation Service, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olof Svensson
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Sweden; Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Andiné
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Sweden; Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sara Bromander
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Sweden; Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karl Ask
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sophie Lindqvist Bagge
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Hildebrand Karlén
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Sweden; Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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D'Orta I, Weber K, Herrmann FR, Giannakopoulos P. Women in acute forensic psychiatric care: comparison of clinical, sociodemographic, and detention-related characteristics in pretrial detention, sentence execution, and court-ordered treatment. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:94. [PMID: 38308259 PMCID: PMC10835924 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared to men inmates, women display decreased prevalence of severe mental disorder but increased occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD) and higher rates of previous contacts with mental health services. The group of women in detention is highly heterogeneous according to the status of incarceration (pre-trial detention (PTD), sentence execution (SE) and court ordered treatments (COT)). Studies focusing on the comparison of sociodemographic patterns, detention-related and clinical variables between these groups are still lacking. We explored these parameters in 136 women admitted for acute psychiatric care in the sole Geneva forensic unit during a nine year period (2014-2023). Sociodemographic and detention-related data included age, nationality, marital status, presence of children, education attainment, most frequently speaking language, social support, employment before conviction and type of offenses. Clinical variables included the main ICD-10 diagnosis, presence of concomitant SUD, type of personality disorders, presence of suicidal thoughts and attempts at admission, as well as number and mean duration of stays. PTD and SE women had at least 9 years of formal education in 38.9% and 30.3% of cases. Most women in PTD (77.7%), SE (56.6%) and COT (56.2%) groups were Swiss or European citizens. The level of French knowledge was excellent in most of the cases. 43.8% of COT women had at least one child and this percentage is even higher for PTD and SE cases. The employment rate before conviction was also quite high, mainly for PTD and SE (61.1% and 60.6%) and, in a lesser degree, for COT (43.8%) women. Significant social support was present in the vast majority of women without any significant group difference. The distribution of type of offenses did not differ between the three types of detention with a predominance of physical violence, and drug trafficking. The number of stays during the period of reference was significantly higher in COT compared to both SE and PTD women. History of previous inpatient care was also significantly more frequent in COT that SE and PTD women. Adjustment and affective disorders were more often found in SE and PTD cases, these diagnoses were absent in the COT group. In contrast, a main diagnosis of psychotic disorders was found in 62.5% of COT cases compared to only 21.2% in SE and 24.1% in PTD cases. The number of stays, history of inpatient care and diagnosis of psychosis were independent predictors of COT status. In conclusion, the present data reveal the good social integration and emotional support of women needing acute psychiatric care in prison independently of the type of detention. Clinically, women in PTD and SE display more often emotional distress whereas those in COT suffer from acute psychotic symptoms with previous history of psychiatric care and multiple inpatient stays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella D'Orta
- Division of Institutional Measures, Medical Direction, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Kerstin Weber
- Division of Institutional Measures, Medical Direction, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François R Herrmann
- Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Panteleimon Giannakopoulos
- Division of Institutional Measures, Medical Direction, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Camatti J, Galliani I, Cirnelli A, Cecchi R. Drug-facilitated sexual assault followed by femicidal chloroform poisoning and suffocation: A case-report of criminal responsibility. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 66:102356. [PMID: 37980883 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Criminal responsibility evaluation represents one of the most controversial and debated issues in forensic psychiatry. Although clear procedures have been recommended, little research exists on decision-making process by forensic psychiatrists. We present a case assessing the criminal responsibility of a murderer who committed femicide as a result of chloroform poisoning and suffocation after a drug-facilitated sexual assault. MATERIALS AND METHODS A.S., a 30-year-old female, was found dead in the home of S.P., a 50-year-old male. S.P. recounted killing A.S. by forced inhalation of chloroform, when the woman had experienced sensory clouding following unintentional ingestion of Zolpidem, a hypnotic agent. A multidisciplinary approach was taken to resolve the case. Autopsy, histological, genetic, and toxicological examinations were performed by a forensic pathologist, while a digital forensic examiner analysed electronic devices. A pool of three forensic psychiatrists and two psychologists was asked to assess the mental state of S.P. at the time of the crime. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The cause of death of A.S. was identified as a lethal chloroform intoxication in altered consciousness caused by Zolpidem, while homicidal suffocation was also described. Mobile forensics demonstrated that S.P. had videotaped the crime scene, clearly revealing that A.S. had been sexually assaulted by S.P. before dying. Criminal responsibility of S.P. was evaluated through various psychological tests and seven interviews with the accused, each lasting an average of 180 min. Specialists concluded that S.P. could not be exempted from being responsible for the homicide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonello Cirnelli
- Medical Office Located in Via G.B. Vico 12 in Portogruaro, Venice, Italy.
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Weber K, Morier S, Lesaffre L, Menu C, Bertschy P, Herrmann FR, Giannakopoulos P. Court-ordered inpatient psychiatric care in Switzerland: determinants of length of stay and treatment outcome. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1222337. [PMID: 37854441 PMCID: PMC10579584 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1222337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionIn several European countries, offenders with decreased or abolished responsibility and high risk of recidivism due to long-lasting mental disorders are compulsory admitted for court-ordered treatments (COT) that take place in high and medium-security hospitals. As a rule, length of stay in these structures is very long implying major restrictions for the inmate and high societal cost. Despite intensive research, the predictors of length of stay and treatment outcome in long stay forensic services is still matter of debate.MethodsWe report here a detailed analysis of the demographic, psychiatric and offense predictors of length of stay and discharge locations of 204 mentally disordered offenders convicted to COT in a new medium-security forensic psychiatry clinic in Geneva, Switzerland. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were performed to determine time to release. Length of stay was predicted by Cox regressions, and discharge locations were predicted by multinomial logistic regressions.ResultsThe typical inpatient was a 35-age single male re-offender, submitted to COT after a conviction for physical violence (78.9%) or property violation (64.2%), with drug trafficking (52.9%), in relation to psychotic (67.2%), antisocial or borderline personality disorder (35.8%) with comorbid substance use disorders (60.3%). Sex offenses were found in 24.5% of cases and were associated with Cluster B personality disorders. The median length of stay was of 2.5 years and was independent of demographic variables, severity of crime recidivism and psychiatric diagnosis. Longer COT at admission, and type of offense (in particular drug traffic and sexual violence) predicted longer stays. At discharge, 32.8% of cases were transferred to sheltered educational housing, 23.1% to open low-security wards, while 30.6% returned to regular prisons and 9.7% to their country of origin.DiscussionYounger age and conviction for property violation rather than physical violence increased the chances to be discharged to sheltered educational housing. Longer COT at admission, personality disorders, and conviction for sexual offense increased the risk to return to prison. These data suggest that sex offenses determine not only longer stays under COT but also drastically decreases the chance of freedom for inmates with Cluster B personality disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Weber
- Division of Institutional Measures, Medical Direction, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandrine Morier
- Division of Institutional Measures, Medical Direction, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lise Lesaffre
- Division of Institutional Measures, Medical Direction, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Menu
- Department of Institutions and Information Technology, Republic and State of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Bertschy
- Department of Institutions and Information Technology, Republic and State of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François R. Herrmann
- Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Panteleimon Giannakopoulos
- Division of Institutional Measures, Medical Direction, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Trägårdh K, Hildebrand Karlén M, Andiné P, Nilsson T. Lethal and severe violence: Characterizing Swedish female offenders with and without a severe mental disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1143936. [PMID: 37091705 PMCID: PMC10117968 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1143936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim In studies on lethal and severe violence, male offenders have historically been in focus while female offenders, in comparison, have often been excluded. In this study, we aimed to characterize female violent offenders and compared those with and without a severe mental disorder (SMD). Method All females charged with lethal or attempted lethal violence, who had undergone forensic psychiatric investigations (FPI) in Sweden between 2000 and 2014, constituting the two groups SMD (n = 84) and no SMD (n = 91), were included. Information from their FPI reports and court verdicts was collected regarding background and demographics, mental health, substance use, and crime characteristics. Results Overall, both groups were often unemployed, previously victimized within close relations, had psychiatric health issues, and more than half of them had previously attempted suicide. Specifically, the SMD group more often had psychotic disorders, had attempted homicide-suicide (at the time of the crime), and had children or friends/acquaintances as victims. The no-SMD group more often manifested patterns of anxiety, personality disorders, and substance use disorders compared to the SMD group. The no-SMD group also differed from the SMD group by more often having a previous criminal record, being charged with lethal index violence, having male adult intimate partners/ex-intimate partners as victims who had abused the offender, and both offender and victim had more often been under the influence of a substance. Conclusion Female offenders of lethal and severe violence had a high prevalence of previous violent victimization which should be considered in forensic assessment and treatment regardless of the offender's SMD status. However, more focus on substance use disorders and intimate partner relations appears relevant for females without an SMD. Contrary to that, early interventions regarding psychotic processes are probably a helpful preventive measure for females with an SMD. In sum, the heterogeneity of female offenders of lethal and severe violence emphasizes the necessity of developing nuanced interventions to meet their rehabilitative needs as well as the requirements of community protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Trägårdh
- Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Karin Trägårdh,
| | - Malin Hildebrand Karlén
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Andiné
- Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Nilsson
- Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
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