Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 5 of 5
Rates of mental disorder in people convicted of homicide
- Authors:
- SHAW Jenny, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 188(2), February 2006, pp.143-147.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This study aimed to estimate the rate of mental disorder in people convicted of homicide; to examine the relationship between definitions, verdict and outcome in court. A national clinical survey of people convicted of homicide (n=1594) in England and Wales (1996–1999). Rates of mental disorder were estimated based on: lifetime diagnosis, mental illness at the time of the offence, contact with psychiatric services, diminished responsibility verdict and hospital disposal. Of the 1594,545 (34%) had a mental disorder: most had not attended psychiatric services; 85 (5%) had schizophrenia (lifetime); 164 (10%) had symptoms of mental illness at the time of the offence; 149 (9%) received a diminished responsibility verdict and 111 (7%) a hospital disposal – both were associated with severe mental illness and symptoms of psychosis. The findings suggest an association between schizophrenia and conviction for homicide. Most perpetrators with a history of mental disorder were not acutely ill or under mental healthcare at the time of the offence. Some perpetrators receive prison sentences despite having severe mental illness.
Factors affecting the recognition of mental health problems among adolescent offenders in custody
- Authors:
- MITCHELL Paul, SHAW Jenny
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 22(3), June 2011, pp.381-394.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Previous research has indicated that adolescent offenders have high levels of mental health problems. Despite recent improvements in mental health provision for adolescents in custody, mental illness is frequently undetected and therefore mental health needs remain unmet. The aim of this study was to examine what factors affect recognition of mental health problems in adolescent offenders during routine screening on admission to custody. A random sample of 115 detained boys was interviewed following reception into custody using a battery of tools to assess mental health problems, subjective rating of health status and coping style. The findings showed that only just over half of young people with unmet mental health needs were detected by the reception screening process. Internalising problems such as depression were more likely to be missed. Boys who used behavioural coping strategies or who subjectively rated themselves as having problems were more likely to be recognised. The article concludes that improvement is needed in screening, with greater attention given to internalising disorders such as depression and anxiety, and young people's subjective rating of their health status.
Description and evaluation of a novel service for "difficult to manage" psychiatric in-patients
- Authors:
- HAYES Adrian J., PRATT Daniel, SHAW Jenny
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Practice, 17(1), 2015, pp.69-78.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: A new service was developed to provide transitional care between acute and secure services for people with serious mental illness who are considered "difficult to manage" The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the work of the service by examining referrals made, strategies employed for each referral, and patient outcomes, as well as investigating issues in the service's development and implementation. Design/methodology/approach: A retrospective descriptive study by review of 38 case notes, and qualitative interviews of 47 staff within the service and those referring to the service. Findings: In the first eight months, 38 patients were referred due to violence, aggression and management problems. Most interventions provided by the service involved working with referring staff, rather than direct patient contact. Subsequently, 16 per cent required referral to higher levels of security. Interviews showed the team's aims needed to be more clearly established, but that ward staff found the service to be a useful and productive resource. Research limitations/implications: The study is descriptive and retrospective, but showed that the service provided appropriate interventions for managing patients with serious mental illness and challenging behaviour. Practical implications: A transitional service may have value in keeping patients in the least restrictive setting. Careful planning is needed in designing novel interventions, ensuring clear aims and effective management. Originality/value: The service under study was novel, and may be useful in facilitating successful transfer from, or preventing admission to, secure services. (Publisher abstract)
Mental disorder and clinical care in people convicted of homicide: national clinical survey
- Authors:
- SHAW Jenny, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Medical Journal, 8.5.99, 1999, pp.1240-1244.
- Publisher:
- British Medical Association
This article estimates the rate of mental disorder in those convicted of homicide and examines the social and clinical characteristics of those with a history of contact with psychiatric services. Concludes that there are substantial rates of mental disorder in people convicted of homicide. Most do not have severe mental illness or a history of contact with mental health services. Inquiry findings suggest that preventing loss of contact with services and improving the clinical management of patients with both mental illness and substance misuse may reduce risk, but clinical trials are needed to examine the effectiveness of such interventions.
An assessment of the security dependency and treatment needs of all patients in secure services in a UK health region
- Authors:
- SHAW Jenny, DAVIES John, MOREY Helen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry, 12(3), December 2001, pp.610-637.
- Publisher:
- Routledge
Previous studies have revealed discrepancies between patients' security needs and security provision. Reports on a study to establish the needs of a UK health regions' patients in secure care in four domains: security, dependency, 'political' and treatment. Psychiatrists were asked to complete on each patients a questionnaire designed for the study. The results showed that 261 patients (79%) were placed at a level of security inappropriate to their needs. Factors associated with inappropriate placement are discussed and possible developments in service provision are outlined.