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Personality disorders in offenders with intellectual disability: a comparison of clinical, forensic and outcome variables and implications for service provision
- Authors:
- ALEXANDER R. T., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 54(7), July 2010, pp.650-658.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The aim of this study was to discover any differences between patients with and without a diagnosis of personality disorders, being treated in a secure inpatient service for offenders with intellectual disability (ID) in England. A total of 138 patients (109 men, approximate age on admission 30 years, 77 with a personality disorder) treated over a six year period were included. Women were more likely to be in the personality disorder group. Both groups had an equally high prevalence of abuse. Depressive disorders and substance abuse were more common in the personality disorder group, while epilepsy and autistic spectrum disorders were more common in the comparison group. The authors note that, rather than differences, what was more striking was the rate and range of the comorbidities across both groups. Although past histories of violence and institutional aggression were no different, compulsory detention under criminal sections and restriction orders were more common in the personality disorder group. There were no differences in treatment outcomes. It is concluded that although about half of patients detained in secure units for offenders with ID have a personality disorder, there were more similarities than differences between this group and the rest. Good treatment outcomes supported the case for specialised secure treatment units for people with ID, the case for more specialised ID–personality disorder units was less convincing.