Search results for ‘Subject term:"mentally disordered offenders"’ Sort:
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Clinical and social characteristics of women committed to inpatient forensic psychiatric care in Ireland, 1868-1908
- Author:
- KELLY Brendan D.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 19(2), June 2008, pp.261-273.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study aimed to examine the characteristics and experiences of women admitted to inpatient forensic psychiatric care in Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The case records of all women admitted to the Central Mental Hospital, Dublin, between 1868 and 1908 (n = 70) were examined. Most women were Roman Catholic and single, with between one and 12 children. Over half were convicted of killing, of whom a majority were convicted of child-killing. Mean age was 32.8 years. Women convicted of killing were younger than those convicted of other offences. Women convicted of child killing were less likely to be unmarried than those convicted of killing adults. Almost one woman in 10 was 'sane' on admission; 'mania' and 'melancholia' constituted the largest diagnostic groupings. Approximately 15% of the women died at the Central Mental Hospital; almost 50% were ultimately transferred to local asylums; 12% were transferred to prison; and others were released to family or friends. The lives and institutional experiences of this patient group merit further examination and study from the perspectives of legal, social, and psychiatric history.
The nutrition and eating habits of women in secure psychiatric conditions: a survey with implications for practice and action
- Authors:
- LONG Clive G., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Forensic Practice, 11(3), September 2009, pp.28-34.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The nutrition and eating habits of women in a secure psychiatric service were surveyed. Forty-one women in three secure units in Northampton agreed to participate. Sixty per cent of these patients had a BMI over 30 and the remaining 40% had an average BMI of 27.2. In vivo observations of the nutrition and eating practices of the participants at mealtimes were made by an observer, and an assessment was also made of food and drink provided on wards outside mealtimes. In addition, the participants completed a Lifestyle Questionnaire on areas relating to healthy eating and weight management. The results indicated an obesogenic environment which inadvertently promoted over-eating and under-exercising and in which patients made unhealthy food choices. The results have provided the basis for various initiatives to improve the overall health care of the patients, including menu variation and provision of healthy menu dishes.
Childhood sexual abuse, adult psychiatric morbidity, and criminal outcomes in women assessed by medium secure forensic service
- Authors:
- DOLAN Mairead, WHITWORTH Helen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 22(2), 2013, pp.191-208.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
There is extensive literature linking childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with adult psychopathology, interpersonal dysfunction, and criminality. The purpose of this study was to look at the associations between contact CSA and psychosocial function in women referred to a medium secure forensic service. The study was conducted at Edenfield Adult Forensic Service Manchester, UK. The case files of all 225 women (aged 18 and older) assessed by the service between 1991 and 1999 were examined, and childhood sexual abuse and non–childhood sexual abuse cases were compared. Over half the sample had a history of childhood sexual abuse, and 5.6% of this group were victims of a subsequent sexual assault in adulthood. The perpetrators were all male. The majority of intrafamilial cases resulted in victims being raised in environments outside the family home. CSA was associated with later relationship, educational, and occupational difficulties. Significant associations were also seen with personality disorder, self-harm, and substance misuse. The findings suggest that treating services need to recognise the potential importance of CSA in their models of care.
Architectural change and the effects on the perceptions of the ward environment in a medium secure unit for women
- Authors:
- LONG Clive G., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Forensic Practice, 13(3), August 2011, pp.205-212.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
It is recognised that architectural design may have strong effects on mood, health and wellbeing. This paper explores the architectural design considerations and effects of moving a group of English patients from an adapted Victorian medium secure unit to a purpose built facility. Patients (n=9) and staff (n=16) views of the old and new unit environments were compared in terms of homeliness, architectural features, ward atmosphere (WAS) and patient satisfaction. The new unit was rated as more homely. The change of environment did not increase risk behaviours and was associated with a reduction in symptomatology. The small study size limits the findings but the authors suggest that it points to the need for more research into the constituents of “planned” environments where the physical environment is the primary intervention.
Risk assessment in female forensic psychiatric patients: a quasi-prospective study into the validity of the HCR-20 and PCL-R
- Authors:
- SCHAAP Grietje, LAMMERS Sylvia, DE VOGEL Vivienne
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 20(3), June 2009, pp.354-365.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study examined the postdictive validity of the HCR-20 and the PCL-R in a sample of 45 female ex-patients of Dutch forensic psychiatric hospitals. For this purpose the HCR-20 and PCL-R were coded using documented information. Recidivism data were collected from the Dutch Ministry of Justice. Interrater reliabilities for the HCR-20 and PCL-R were excellent. Recidivists and non-recidivists differed significantly in terms of their mean scores on the H (historical) scale of the HCR-20. Their mean scores on the other subscales and their total scores on the HCR-20 and the PCL-R showed no significant differences. The base rate for violent recidivism was 16%. Subscale scores and total scores on the HCR-20 and the PCL-R did not postdict violent recidivism. Risk judgments based on these instruments demonstrated the same poor predictive validity. There are indications that historical items, notably substance abuse and a history of violence, have some predictive value for violent outcome in female forensic psychiatric patients.
Unmet needs among disturbed female offenders
- Author:
- GORSUCH Nikki
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry, 9(3), December 1998, pp.556-570.
- Publisher:
- Routledge
There has been increasing concern over recent years at the number of mentally disordered female offenders accumulating in the penal system. Prison medical officers frequently have difficulty obtaining placements in secure NHS facilities for women whose behaviour and mental state show clear disturbance. These women consequently often spend long periods in prison, either on remand while a placement is sought or serving a sentence if the search for a bed has failed. The aim of the present study was to identify the characteristics of these 'difficult to place' women and to highlight their unmet needs.
A gender for change
- Author:
- MURRAIN Trish
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, October 2010, pp.36-37.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
The underlying theme of the 2002 report ‘Women’s Mental Health: Into the mainstream’ was that gender differences in women and men need to be recognised and addressed across policy development, research, planning, commissioning, service organisation and delivery. In response to this report and subsequent implementation guidance the regional strategy document ‘Forensic Services for Women: A Strategy document’ was launched across Yorkshire and the Humber. This article describes the Garrow House project in York which helps women make the transition from secure services to more independent living. The pilot scheme, opened in February 2009, is a 12-bed high support residential service for women with complex needs and forensic histories. Staffing levels are high to provide relational security. Staff are required to engage in regular reflective practice and supervision. Relational security relies on establishing trust between staff and the women, and on building positive relationships in order to create a safe and supportive environment. The emphasis on relational security and user involvement aims to empower the women to take responsibility for managing their mental health issues thus preparing them for taking the next step in community reintegration. A case study is reported.
Prosecuting inpatient violence: perceptions of staff, patients and others in a women's enhanced medium secure service
- Author:
- JANICKI Nicholas
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Forensic Practice, 11(4), November 2009, pp.27-38.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
In the context of the prevalence of violent incidents in the mental health system, this paper looks at the perceptions of both staff and patients about the involvement of the criminal justice system as a response to physical assaults committed by patients, focusing on the viewpoints of staff and patients in a women's enhanced medium secure service. The study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, with semi-structured interviews of 18 participants from three separate groups (patients, nursing staff, and other professionals), and an analysis of incident report forms and police reports. The author reports on findings concerning the nature of physical assaults, how assaulting behaviour affects morale, how the police should be involved, and benefits to be gained from pursuing prosecutions. The conclusions were that the majority of respondents perceived the involvement of the criminal justice system as crucial to maintaining high levels of morale among patients and practitioners, as well as assisting in deterring patients from committing subsequent assaults; however, the police reports studied show that no convictions for violent behaviour had been obtained, illustrating the reluctance of the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute inpatients.
The mental health needs of women detained in police custody
- Authors:
- SCOTT David, McGILLOWAY Sinead, DONNELLY Michael
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 18(2), April 2009, pp.144-151.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
This paper describes and appraises the work of a city centre Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion (CJLD) service in relation to contact with female Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDOs). It describes the population of female detainees referred to the service by examining administrative outcomes and psychiatric assessment data. Two Community Mental Health Nurses (CMHNs) collected information on the mental health needs and service utilization of MDOs over a three-year period. Information on psychiatric history, offending history and recommended follow-up services is also presented. One-in-five (217/1089) detainees assessed by the service were female, 91% of whom had a mental illness. Two-thirds were “cases” on the GHQ whilst 58% attained “above threshold” BPRS scores; 43% and 54% respectively had a history of harming others or themselves. Most had previous contact with mental health services. The majority (59%) were referred to their GPs following assessment. it concludes that many women with mental illness are arrested and detained in police custody. The CJLD service effectively identified, assessed and linked the majority of female MDOs to services.
Running a sexual health group in a women's medium secure unit
- Authors:
- HEBB Jo, DONNELLY Tracey
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Forensic Practice, 9(1), April 2007, pp.16-23.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper explores sexual health, the problems faced by women with severe and persistent mental illness in attaining sexual health, and concerns about sexual vulnerability. It goes on to look at the difficulties faced by women detained in a medium secure unit. It describes the development, running and evaluation of a pilot sexual health group aimed at meeting some of the needs highlighted in the literature.