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Tully J, Hafferty J, Whiting D, Dean K, Fazel S. Forensic mental health: envisioning a more empirical future. Lancet Psychiatry 2024:S2215-0366(24)00164-0. [PMID: 38945145 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(24)00164-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Forensic mental health services provide crucial interventions for society. Such services provide care for people with mental disorders who commit violent and other serious crimes, and they have a key role in the protection of the public. To achieve these goals, these services are necessarily expensive, but they have been criticised for a high-cost, low-volume approach, for lacking consistent standards of care, and for neglecting human rights and other ethical considerations. A key concern is an insufficient evidence base to justify common practices, such as restricting leave from hospital and detaining patients for long periods. There is also insufficient quality evidence for core interventions, including psychological therapies, pharmacotherapy, and seclusion and restraint. The causes for this evidence deficit are complex but include insufficient investment in research infrastructure and fragmentation and isolationism of services, both nationally and internationally. In this Personal View, we highlight some of the major gaps in the forensic mental health evidence base and the challenges in addressing these gaps. We suggest solutions with implications at clinical, societal, and public health policy levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Tully
- Academic Unit of Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK.
| | | | - Daniel Whiting
- Academic Unit of Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Seena Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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Naguy A, Alhazeem H. Clozapine Prescripers-Dogmatic or Pragmatic? PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY BULLETIN 2024; 54:46-50. [PMID: 38601835 PMCID: PMC11003257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Clozapine, amongst antipsychotics, has a unique composite mode of action that might translate into an expanded therapeutic potential on clinical grounds. Sorely, clozapine remains underutilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Naguy
- Naguy, MBBch, MSc, Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist, Al-Manara CAP Centre, Kuwait Centre for Mental Health (KCMH), Jamal Abdul-Nassir St, Shuwaikh, State of Kuwait
| | - Hessa Alhazeem
- Alhazeem, MD, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait
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Hipp K, Kangasniemi M, Varpula J, Lantta T. Nurses' and patient' descriptions about forms of power in pro re nata medication participation in forensic psychiatric care: A qualitative secondary analysis. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024; 33:73-84. [PMID: 37661371 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite there being an emphasis on patient participation in their own care, it has been a challenge in pro re nata (PRN, as the circumstance arises) medication in forensic psychiatric care. The power imbalance in treatment relationships can be a barrier to patient participation and should therefore be further explored. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore the aspect of power in the descriptions of patients and nurses interviewed in a Finnish forensic psychiatric hospital about patient participation in PRN. A qualitative secondary analysis was conducted through the semi-structured interviews of the patients (n = 34) and nurses (n = 19). The data were analysed with deductive content analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines were used to ensure comprehensive reporting. The findings revealed that patients and health professionals may have conflicting goals in PRN and that they both use power to try to achieve them. Power in PRN was described in different forms, including authority, force, manipulation and persuasion. Based on our results, the power that health professionals have in PRN medication is particularly based on their legitimate authority and the hierarchical structures of the hospital environment. Patients also hold power in the dynamics of PRN medication care, but their position as a power holder can vary individually and situationally. Recognizing different forms of power and supporting patients with a decreased capacity for decision-making is essential for promoting high-quality and patient-centred forensic psychiatric nursing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Hipp
- School of Health and Social Services, Häme University of Applied Sciences, Hämeenlinna, Finland
| | - Mari Kangasniemi
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Satakunta Hospital District, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko Varpula
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Satakunta Hospital District, Turku, Finland
| | - Tella Lantta
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Satakunta Hospital District, Turku, Finland
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Lassen S, Heintz T, Pedersen T, Jentz C, Nathanielsen N, Heilmann P, Sørensen LU. Nationwide study on antipsychotic polypharmacy among forensic psychiatric patients. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2218654. [PMID: 37300837 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2218654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This nationwide retrospective cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) and demographic, forensic, and clinical factors associated with its practice among Greenlandic forensic psychiatric patients. We collected data from electronic patient files, court documents, and forensic psychiatric assessments. We defined APP as two or more concurrent prescriptions of antipsychotic medication. The study population of 74 patients had a mean age of 41.4 years, and 61 were men. All included patients had either schizophrenia or another ICD-10 F2-diagnosis. We used unpaired t-tests and Chi2 or Fisher's exact test. The prevalence of APP was 35% (n = 26), and there was a significant association between APP and a prescription of clozapine (Chi2, p = 0.010), olanzapine (Fisher's test, p = 0.003), and aripiprazole (Fisher's test, p = 0.013). Furthermore, we found a significant association between APP and prescription of a first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) (Chi2, p = 0.011). Despite recommendations in guidelines, the use of APP is common practice. The majority of forensic psychiatric patients suffer from severe psychiatric disorders, often with other comorbidities, including substance use disorder. The severity and complexity in mental health render forensic psychiatric patients at high risk of APP treatment. Further knowledge on APP use is crucial to secure and further improve the psychopharmacological treatment for this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Lassen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Thale Heintz
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Tilde Pedersen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Christian Jentz
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Naaja Nathanielsen
- The Directorate of Correctional Services, Prison and Probation Service, Nuuk, Greenland
| | | | - Lisbeth Uhrskov Sørensen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
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McLaughlin P, Brady P, Carabellese F, Carabellese F, Parente L, Uhrskov Sorensen L, Jeandarme I, Habets P, Simpson AIF, Davoren M, Kennedy HG. Excellence in forensic psychiatry services: international survey of qualities and correlates. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e193. [PMID: 37828908 PMCID: PMC10594163 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.578] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excellence is that quality that drives continuously improving outcomes for patients. Excellence must be measurable. We set out to measure excellence in forensic mental health services according to four levels of organisation and complexity (basic, standard, progressive and excellent) across seven domains: values and rights; clinical organisation; consistency; timescale; specialisation; routine outcome measures; research and development. AIMS To validate the psychometric properties of a measurement scale to test which objective features of forensic services might relate to excellence: for example, university linkages, service size and integrated patient pathways across levels of therapeutic security. METHOD A survey instrument was devised by a modified Delphi process. Forensic leads, either clinical or academic, in 48 forensic services across 5 jurisdictions completed the questionnaire. RESULTS Regression analysis found that the number of security levels, linked patient pathways, number of in-patient teams and joint university appointments predicted total excellence score. CONCLUSIONS Larger services organised according to stratified therapeutic security and with strong university and research links scored higher on this measure of excellence. A weakness is that these were self-ratings. Reliability could be improved with peer review and with objective measures such as quality and quantity of research output. For the future, studies are needed of the determinants of other objective measures of better outcomes for patients, including shorter lengths of stay, reduced recidivism and readmission, and improved physical and mental health and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McLaughlin
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital, Portrane, Dublin, Ireland; and DUNDRUM Centre for Forensic Excellence, Academic Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philip Brady
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital, Portrane, Dublin, Ireland; and DUNDRUM Centre for Forensic Excellence, Academic Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Felice Carabellese
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Puglia, Italy
| | - Fulvio Carabellese
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Puglia, Italy
| | - Lia Parente
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Puglia, Italy
| | - Lisbeth Uhrskov Sorensen
- Department for Forensic Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ingeborg Jeandarme
- Knowledge Centre for Forensic Psychiatric Care (KeFor), OPZC Rekem, Rekem, Belgium; and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petra Habets
- Knowledge Centre for Forensic Psychiatric Care (KeFor), OPZC Rekem, Rekem, Belgium; and Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander I. F. Simpson
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mary Davoren
- National Forensic Mental Health Service, Central Mental Hospital, Portrane, Dublin, Ireland; DUNDRUM Centre for Forensic Excellence, Academic Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; and Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Puglia, Italy
| | - Harry G. Kennedy
- DUNDRUM Centre for Forensic Excellence, Academic Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Puglia, Italy; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Fernqvist A, Alexiou E, Zetterberg H, Howner K, Nilsson T, Andiné P. Plasma neurofilament light chain protein is not increased in forensic psychiatric populations: a pilot study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1176266. [PMID: 37215673 PMCID: PMC10192562 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1176266] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) is a fluid biomarker of neural injury measurable in cerebrospinal fluid and blood. Patients with different neurodegenerative disorders and mild traumatic brain injury display elevated levels of NfL. However, so far, elevated levels of NfL have not been demonstrated in persons with psychiatric disorders. To our knowledge, the occurrence of NfL in the blood has not previously been studied in persons undergoing forensic psychiatric assessment or persons treated in forensic mental health services. Supposedly, these persons suffer from experiences and conditions with a higher risk of neural injury than other psychiatric patients. Methods In this pilot study, we investigated plasma levels of NfL in 20 persons undergoing forensic psychiatric assessment and 20 patients at a forensic psychiatric hospital. NfL values were compared with control groups of healthy individuals matched for age and sex. Results The prevalence of increased NfL in both forensic groups was low and did not differ compared with the controls. However, some persons undergoing forensic psychiatric assessment showed slightly elevated values. Discussion The slightly elevated values were observed in the group investigated closer in time to the index crime, when elevated NfL levels could be expected to be more prevalent due to acute conditions from the time of the offense. This gives reason to look further into this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Fernqvist
- Center for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eirini Alexiou
- Center for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Katarina Howner
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Nilsson
- Center for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Andiné
- Center for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Knapp M, Wong G. Economic evaluations of mental health interventions in criminal justice. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2023; 33:139-148. [PMID: 36929519 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health interventions targeting crime perpetrators are available. An overview of the current scenario of their economic benefits will help policy decisions. AIM To provide an update on economic evidence for mental health interventions in criminal justice, and to identify challenges and responses in using economic evidence to inform policy. METHOD Narrative review with an analysis frame that organises evidence around four points on the criminal justice system pathway: (a) point of contact; (b) post-arrest; (c) incarceration/punishment and (d) post-incarceration. RESULTS There is a paucity of high-quality economic evidence, especially from cost-benefit analyses. However, there is some evidence of cost-effectiveness in support of interventions at the point of incarceration, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, multisystemic therapy for juvenile delinquents, therapeutic communities, electronic monitoring and telepsychiatry in forensic psychiatry settings. There is also evidence that post-incarceration interventions such as assertive community treatment can be cost-effective. CONCLUSION There remain large evidence gaps. There are also challenges in turning economic evidence on mental health interventions in criminal justice into policy changes and improved practice, such as hidden costs, silo budgeting and delayed pay-off. Research incorporating multi-sectoral costs and benefits recommended by health economics and health technology assessment groups should be prioritised to support difficult resource allocation decisions faced by policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Knapp
- London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Gloria Wong
- The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Sivak L, Forsman J, Masterman T. Duration of forensic psychiatric care and subsequent criminal recidivism in individuals sentenced in Sweden between 2009 and 2019. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1129993. [PMID: 37009123 PMCID: PMC10053040 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1129993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe duration of forensic psychiatric care is in Sweden not determined at the time of sentencing; instead, offenders are regularly evaluated, often with regard to risk of criminal recidivism. The length and justifiability of such a sanction have been greatly debated; however, previous estimates of treatment duration based on datasets delimited to discharged patients—have provided an uncertain groundwork for these deliberations. The aim of this study was to use a more suitable approach to calculate average duration of forensic psychiatric care and to examine the relationship between length of treatment and subsequent recidivism after discharge.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study focused on offenders sentenced to forensic psychiatric care in Sweden between 2009 and 2019 and registered in the Swedish National Forensic Psychiatric Register (n = 2064), with a follow-up period until May 2020. We used Kaplan–Meier estimator to calculate and visualize treatment duration including analyses comparing levels of relevant variables, and then evaluated criminal recidivism in patients discharged from treatment between 2009 and 2019 (n = 640), after stratification for the same variables and dichotomization by treatment duration.ResultsThe median duration of forensic psychiatric care was estimated to 89.7 months (95% CI 83.2–95.8). Treatment was longer in offenders who committed violent crimes, suffered from psychosis, or had a history of substance use disorder, and in offenders whose sentences included special court supervision. The cumulative incidence of recidivism in patients discharged from treatment was estimated to 13.5% at 12 months (95% CI 10.6–16.2) and 19.5% at 24 months (95% CI 16.0–22.8). Corresponding cumulative incidence of violent crime post discharge was 6.3% at 12 months (95% CI 4.3–8.3) and 9.9% at 24 months (95% CI 7.3–12.4). Among other findings, in patients without a history of substance use disorder and patients whose sentences did not include special court supervision, recidivism was significantly higher in those with a shorter treatment duration.ConclusionUsing the entirety of a suitable, contemporary, prospectively enrolled cohort of mentally ill offenders, we were able to estimate—with greater accuracy than previous studies—the average duration of Swedish forensic psychiatric care and rate of subsequent criminal recidivism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Sivak
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jonas Forsman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Huddinge, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Jonas Forsman,
| | - Thomas Masterman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Huddinge, Sweden
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High Risk, High Dose?-Pharmacotherapeutic Prescription Patterns of Offender and Non-Offender Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123243. [PMID: 36551999 PMCID: PMC9775158 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to acute or community settings, forensic psychiatric settings, in general, have been reported to make greater use of antipsychotic polypharmacy and/or high dose pharmacotherapy, including overdosing. However, there is a scarcity of research specifically on offender patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), although they make up a large proportion of forensic psychiatric patients. Our study, therefore, aimed at evaluating prescription patterns in offender patients compared to non-offender patients with SSD. After initial statistical analysis with null-hypothesis significance testing, we evaluated the interplay of the significant variables and ranked them in accordance with their predictive power through application of supervised machine learning algorithms. While offender patients received higher doses of antipsychotics, non-offender patients were more likely to receive polypharmacologic treatment as well as additional antidepressants and benzodiazepines. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate a homogenous group of offender patients with SSD in comparison to non-offender controls regarding patterns of antipsychotic and other psychopharmacologic prescription patterns.
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Degl' Innocenti A, Alexiou E, Andiné P, Striskaite J, Nilsson T. A register-based comparison study of Swedish patients in forensic psychiatric care 2010 and 2018. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2021; 77:101715. [PMID: 34052684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2021.101715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study compared the characteristics of a population of Swedish patients in forensic psychiatric care in the year 2010 and 2018, with the goal of identifying similarities and differences in sociodemographic and clinical outcomes during the study period. FINDINGS Significant changes in patient characteristics and treatment aspects were found, although similarities between the years were more common. Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders were the most predominant primary diagnoses characterizing forensic psychiatric patients. From 2010 to 2018 there was also a development in care conditions supporting a shift from inpatient to outpatient care and from first-generation antipsychotic/neuroleptic to second-generation antipsychotics/atypical antipsychotics. More liberty restrictive such as physical restraints and forcible medication diminished while less restrictive coercive measures increased. There was also a decrease in the length of stay in forensic psychiatric care among those treated 2018 compared to those treated 2010, something that emerged as particularly discernible among male patients. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the results from this study illustrate the similarities among a Swedish forensic psychiatric population between the years of 2010 and 2018, while also reflecting some changes in patient characteristics and clinical practice during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Degl' Innocenti
- 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; Gothia Forum for Clinical Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eirini Alexiou
- 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 Forensic Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Peter Andiné
- 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 Forensic Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jolita Striskaite
- 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 Forensic Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Nilsson
- 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 Forensic Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Kapoor R, Wasser TD, Funaro MC, Norko MA. Hospital treatment of persons found not guilty by reason of insanity. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2020; 38:426-440. [PMID: 32897589 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
After being found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI), individuals are typically admitted to a secure forensic hospital for evaluation and treatment. This patient population can pose a challenge to clinicians in the hospital setting due to significant violence risk, complex psychiatric presentations, and scrutiny from oversight boards and the public. This article reviews the scientific literature around several key aspects of hospital-based treatment of insanity acquittees, including the management of inpatient aggression, the provision of specific treatments to acquittees, the assessment of violence risk and readiness for release, and the process of community transition. The authors conclude that the existing literature is heavily weighted toward the study of risk assessment and recidivism, with relatively little attention paid to the study of therapeutic modalities and recovery-oriented care in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Kapoor
- Law & Psychiatry Division, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Tobias D Wasser
- Law & Psychiatry Division, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Melissa C Funaro
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06520-8014, USA
| | - Michael A Norko
- Law & Psychiatry Division, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
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