bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social and sexual functioning in schizophrenic men who commit serious sex offences against women
Authors: Smith Alan D. , Taylor Pamela J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the social and sexual functioning of men with schizophrenia who commit serious sex offences.AimsTo examine social and sexual functioning, before and after illness onset, in a national sample of schizophrenic men who have been convicted of a contact sex offence against a woman, two hypotheses are tested. First, that there are no significant differences in social and sexual functioning between white and Afro‐Caribbean men with schizophrenia who have sexually assaulted women. Second, that men who have a history of contact sex offending antedating the onset of schizophrenia are more likely to have poor pre‐onset social and sexual functioning compared with men who begin sex offending after illness onset.MethodA search of Home Office records was completed for all 84 male restricted hospital order inpatients with schizophrenia, resident in any hospital in England and Wales, during May 1997, with an index conviction for a contact sex offence against a woman.ResultsThe group underwent a significant deterioration in social and sexual functioning after the onset of schizophrenia. Afro‐Caribbean men had better pre‐onset social and sexual adjustment compared with white men, but underwent a deterioration to a similar extent after developing schizophrenia. Men who began sex offending before the onset of schizophrenia were more likely to have impairment of pre‐onset social and sexual functioning compared with men who did not offend sexually until after illness onset. However, controlling for other variables, only pre‐onset social isolation remained significantly associated with sex offending before illness onset.ConclusionsWhilst the findings do not support the first hypothesis they do provide evidence for the second hypothesis. Formulation of treatment programmes for schizophrenic sex offenders requires careful consideration of pre‐onset as well as current social and sexual functioning. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Clozapine treatment of long‐standing schizophrenia and serious violence: a two‐year follow‐up study of the first 50 patients treated with clozapine in Rampton high security hospital
Authors: Dalal Brian , Larkin Emmet , Leese Morven , Taylor Pamela J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackgroundThere is an increased risk of violence among people with schizophrenia, and this may become serious as evidenced by the small number of people who have been admitted to a special (high security) hospital. Such people have usually been treated extensively elsewhere without success.MethodA naturalistic study was carried out of 50 special hospital patients started on clozapine and followed up for two years, using a modified HONOS to their clinical record.ResultsNearly one quarter were unable to sustain clozapine for more than 12 months, for a variety of reasons. As a group they showed significantly less symptom reduction than those who continued. For those on clozapine for a minimum of 12 months continuously, the majority showed symptom reduction. Of the 20 patients who were still violent in the special hospital prior to the trial, symptom reduction was associated with reduction in violence. The rate of discharge for patients who started clozapine but were unable or unwilling to continue it was very low. In contrast, the rate of discharge for patients started on clozapine who continued treatment for at least one year was elevated to a rate similar to that of patients not treated with clozapine.ConclusionsThe results tend to confirm other work which suggests that for people with schizophrenia violence is commonly symptom dependent. They show that a trial of clozapine in such patients is well worth while, as the majority can tolerate it and the majority of those are improved. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Reasons for non‐prescription of clozapine in treatment‐resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Swinton M. , Ahmed A.G. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackgroundPatients in special hospitals who are suffering from schizophrenia have lengthy admissions and this is primarily as a result of poor response to standard neuroleptics. Clozapine has a specific licence for use in such cases yet a significant proportion of special hospital patients have never been exposed to clozapine.MethodOne third of patients in Ashworth Hospital with schizophrenia or schizoaffective psychosis who had never been prescribed clozapine were assessed using the PANSS and the NOSIE and by interviews.ResultsThe main reason for non‐prescription of clozapine was the likelihood of poor compliance.ConclusionMeasures to increase the compliance of this group of patients could have major benefits. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Re‐offending: patients discharged from a Regional Secure Unit
Authors: Friendship C. , McClintock T. , Rutter S. , Maden A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackgroundThis paper describes re‐offending in all 234 patients who were discharged from a medium secure unit between October 1980 and October 1994, after a first admission.MethodData were collected from hospital records and the Offenders Index.ResultsA total of 24% of patients had at least one conviction, including 12% who were convicted of a serious offence. These figures are an underestimate of the true rate of re‐offending as many patients spent a large proportion of the follow‐up period in an institution, which reduced the opportunities for further offending. With this reservation in mind, and allowing for methodological differences, the rates are broadly comparable to those emerging from other follow‐up studies of forensic psychiatric patients. They are much lower than recidivism rates for ordinary prisoners.DiscussionIt is argued that re‐offending rates per se are of little value in measuring outcome in forensic psychiatric populations. There is a need to develop health‐based outcome measures, which should include the occurrence of violence or other offensive behaviour, without reliance on the need for a criminal conviction. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The phallometric assessment of sex offenders: an update
Authors: Launay Gilles 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe paper traces the development of the phallometric assessment of sex offenders in the 1990s. There has been little improvement in the standardization of the technique in terms of procedure, stimuli used or the analysis of results since the last review (Launay, 1994). However, the validity of the technique is now more strongly established and the usefulness of phallometrically derived indexes of deviance for the prediction of re‐offending has been confirmed. A case is made in favour of analysing the phallometric traces over the time the sexual stimuli are presented rather than relying on average responses. Problems associated with the ethics of the procedure and the interpretation of the results are discussed. Finally, the usefulness of the phallometric monitoring of therapeutic interventions is illustrated with the presentation of a case study conducted at Maidstone prison. The conclusion is that although the validity of the technique for research and clinical assessment is now established, justification for the routine use of the technique must await a proper standardization of the technique and the publication of reliable norms. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Social problem solving in mentally disordered offenders: a brief report
Authors: McMurran Mary , Egan Vincent , Richardson Cathryn , Ahmadi Shahla 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackgroundSocial problem‐solving deficits may be implicated in the development and maintenance of aggression and violence. Social problem‐solving skills training is, therefore, an important intervention to address this issue.MethodA measure of social problem solving, the Social Problem‐Solving Inventory–Revised, was given to 52 patients from a secure psychiatric unit. A pilot social problem‐solving intervention, based on the work of D'Zurilla and colleagues, was given to nine mentally disordered offenders.ResultsThe patients in the secure unit did not differ, on the scale, from the norms established for adult psychiatric patients. The nine patients who participated in the pilot study showed improvements on the overall SPSI‐R score and two subscales–reduced negative problem orientation (NPO) and reduced impulsivity/carelessness (ICS).ConclusionThe positive changes indicate that social problem‐solving skills training may be of value with mentally disordered offenders. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Measurement of antisocial behaviour in early adolescence and adolescence: psychometric properties and substantive findings
Authors: Bendixen Mons , Olweus Dan 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground/AimsThis article describes the development of a new self‐report instrument, the Bergen Questionnaire on Antisocial Behaviour, for the measurement of antisocial behaviour in preadolescence and early adolescence, and presents a number of substantive results derived from a multiple‐cohort, longitudinal study involving 2430 Norwegian students in the 10–16‐year age range.Method/ResultsInternal consistency analyses showed that individual differences in antisocial behaviour could generally be measured more reliably in boys than in girls, at an earlier age, and with a greater number of scales. The relatively high correlation between the high‐prevalence and low‐prevalence scales indicated that students who took part in more serious antisocial acts were to a much greater extent involved in less serious offences as well. We also found substantial correlations between smoking and use of alcohol and the core antisocial scales, suggesting that such behaviour may represent a kind of norm‐breaking, antisocial behaviour in these age‐groups.ConclusionsWe concluded that individual differences in antisocial behaviour displayed substantial stability over a one‐year interval (disattenuated Pearson correlation around 0.80) and, to a somewhat lesser degree, for a two‐year interval (disattenuated correlation around 0.60) for boys belonging to the oldest cohort. For girls and for students in the younger age cohorts, the stability was somewhat lower. A set of analyses involving expected sex and age differences, differences between self‐reported arrested and non‐arrested subjects, and correlations with a number of conceptually related variables attested to the construct validity of the key scales included in the questionnaire. In sum, the new questionnaire should be a useful instrument for the study of the development, causes and correlates of antisocial behaviour in relatively young populations. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Is prison tattooing a risk behaviour for HIV and other viruses? Results from a national survey of prisoners in England and Wales
Authors: Strang John , Heuston Joan , Whiteley Christopher , Bacchus Loraine , Maden Tony , Gossop Michael , Green John 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackgroundTattooing has, for more than a century, been recognized as a potential source of transmission of pathogens such as syphilis and hepatitis B. With the advent of HIV and other viruses such as hepatitis C, the extent and nature of tattooing warrants specific study. Tattoos are commonly found on prison inmates, including crude tattoos self‐applied or inflicted by others. The extent to which such prison tattoos might constitute a route of HIV transmission is not known and requires exploration.MethodConfidential interviews with 1009 adult male prisoners in 13 prison establishments across England and Wales were conducted in 1994 by independent interviewers. Subjects were randomly selected through the LIDS (Local Inmate Data System), with stratification by prison wing, with a sampling fraction varying between one in four and one in six. An overall consent rate of 72% was achieved.ResultsA total of 53% (536) of the 1009 interviewees had been tattooed at least once in their lifetime, of whom 21% (111) had been tattooed whilst in prison. Of these, a third had never previously been tattooed. Half of these prison tattoos had been self‐administered, using a wide variety of instruments. However only 20 of the prison tattoos had been applied within the last year. For a quarter (26) of the 111 prison‐tattooed men, the tattoo had been applied at the same time as that of another prisoner. Crude attempts to sterilize the improvized tattooing equipment were commonly applied.ConclusionsDespite a high lifetime prevalence of tattooing amongst this group, with a substantial proportion bearing prison‐applied tattoos, the more recent period‐prevalence of tattooing was low. The widely employed diverse cleaning methods suggest potential value in dissemination of advice about more effective hygiene and cleaning methods. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The Lancashire Quality of Life Profile: data and experiences with 58 detained mentally disordered offenders
Authors: Walker Julian , Gudjonsson Gisli 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjectivesThis study evaluates the quality of life (QOL) of a group of detained mentally disordered offenders (MDOs) from high‐ and medium‐security institutions using the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQOLP). It was predicted that they would show a poorer QOL on the LQOLP when compared with published data on patients using general psychiatric services.DesignA cross‐sectional study was undertaken using a clinician administered questionnaire.MethodThe LQOLP was conducted with 58 detained forensic patients: 19 regional secure unit (RSU) patients, 20 high‐security recently admitted patients, and 19 high‐security pre‐discharge patients.ResultsContrary to predictions, it was found that there was no significant difference in overall QOL (measured using the LQOLP) between detained forensic patients and published LQOLP data on psychiatric outpatients in general services. Nor was there a difference observed between these two groups on several major life domains. However, there were several domains in which detained patients had significantly worse QOL ratings; these included: living situation (including living arrangements, independence, control and privacy); legal and safety; and health. It was also found that detained patients rated their social relations as significantly better than their non‐detained counterparts.ConclusionsThe LQOLP is a viable instrument to use for evaluating the QOL of detained MDOs. QOL is an important outcome to measure in addition to the usual evaluation of symptoms and patient satisfaction. For detained forensic patients QOL assessment may represent the only way of measuring the totality of their experience in secure environments. QOL data may be used to compare service provision and to help guide the development and improvement of patient care. Future work may involve forensic outpatient and prison populations. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Child behaviour and adult personality: comparisons between criminality groups in Finland and Sweden
Authors: Pulkkinen Lea , Virtanen Terhi , Klinteberg Britt af , Magnusson David 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground;Lately there has been an increasing interest in whether personality traits are associated with criminal behaviour in male and female subjects. Criminality and alcohol abuse are often associated. Delinquent adolescents are impulsive and danger seeking. Childhood aggression may be a precursor of adult criminality.MethodUsing longitudinal data, adult personality and childhood behaviours were examined for groups of non‐criminals and criminals of Finnish (n = 268) and Swedish (n + 169) samples, and crime groups were compared in the two cultures. Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP) were given at adult age and the participants had been observed and rated by their teachers in respect of behaviour in childhood (at age 8 years and 13 years, respectively).ResultsMale offenders with alcohol problems (Finnish and Swedish) had significantly higher scores on psychopathy‐related personality traits in adulthood than other subgroups, as indicated by higher impulsivity, muscular tension and lower socialization. They also displayed higher scores on teacher‐rated aggressiveness in childhood than the non‐criminal groups. The female subgroup displaying criminal activity was small. It did not differ significantly from non‐offenders in adult personality characteristics. Female offenders, however, showed early indications of lower sociability (in Finland) and higher aggressiveness and disharmony in childhood than non‐offenders (in Sweden).DiscussionThe study suggests that early problem behaviours are precursors of subsequent criminal activity in at least two cultures. The results emphasize the importance of longitudinal research programmes. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Developmental aspects of violence and the institutional response
Authors: Blumenthal Stephen 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIntroductionThe developmental and attachment literature on violence is reviewed. Violence is conceptualized as an attempt to achieve justice. The cycle of violence is explored with reference to the early experience of perpetrators and their treatment by the criminal justice system after they have committed acts of violence.AetiologyThe origins of violence are considered in the context of the experience of trauma in childhood and the consequent damage to ‘internal working models’ of relationships. The perpetration of violence in later life is viewed in the context of identifying with the aggressor, the obliteration of thought processes and the repetition of the earlier childhood trauma. The offence is considered as a symptom, a symbolic communication, by individuals who are unable to symbolize distress on a verbal level.The institutional responseThe ‘violence begets violence’ hypothesis is then extended to include the response of society and its institutions as part of the full circle of the repetition compulsion: the childhood victim who later becomes a perpetrator, then again becomes the victim of a cruel and persecuting system. Incarceration is viewed as a ‘compromise formation’ in that it fulfils the wish both for punishment and for care, albeit in a highly disguised form and allowing for a defensive state of mind to continue.The therapeutic relationshipThese issues are considered in the context of the therapeutic relationship and the enactment of early trauma in this setting which may provide insight into the psychological processes at work between the offender and society.ConclusionsUnderstanding violence indicates that, whilst some individuals need to be physically checked, a response which focuses on retribution fails to address the problem of violence and colludes with the very pathology of those who engage in such action. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Deliberate self‐harm in sentenced male prisoners in England and Wales: some ethnic factors
Authors: Maden A. , Chamberlain S. , Gunn J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe identification of risk factors for deliberate self‐harm (DSH) in prison populations and the study of individual psychopathology in prisoners who harm themselves are both legitimate approaches to a difficult problem. This paper examines the life‐time prevalence of DSH in male sentenced prisoners.MethodInmates were selected at random from 25 male prison establishments; 1741 of a possible 1864 agreed to be studied. All subjects chose their own ethnic group. Prison files and medical records were examined. Each man was interviewed by a psychiatrist.Results17% of men reported DSH on a least one occasion during their life (more white than non‐white prisoners). More white men in the medium and long‐term sentence group than in the short‐term sentence group gave a history of DSH. White prisoners seem more likely to have cut themselves than black prisoners. DSH was associated with alcohol dependence but not with drug addiction. Neurotic and personality disorders were more commonly diagnosed in the DSH group. There was a weak association between criminal violence and DSH, over the prisoners' lifetime.DiscussionThe associations with DSH suggest that this phenomenon is a symptom of long‐term personality problems and cannot be simply attributed to short‐term environmental stress. Such problems are perhaps commoner in white prisoners than black ones. Does this provide a partial confirmation of the lower rates of personality disorder reported about black prisoners? Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Dutch TBS forensic services: a personal view
Authors: McInerny Tim 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIntroductionThe Dutch TBS system is sometimes given as a model to improve British forensic psychiatry services. This paper is based on first‐hand experience of an attachment to a TBS clinic.Dutch law and the TBS systemUnder the 1986 TBS Act a judge may order a serious offender deemed to have ‘defective development’ or a ‘psychological disturbance of his mental faculties’ to TBS. A prison sentence may also be imposed as well as the TBS order. The Pieter Baans Centre in Utrecht assesses all potential TBS patients over a seven‐week period. If an order is imposed, the patient is transferred to the Dr F.S. Meijers unit, also in Utrecht, for a further six‐week assessment. The patient is from there directed to one of the seven TBS units in different parts of the country, each ostensibly serving a different function. There are about 800 such TBS beds. TBS orders are now mainly imposed for violent offences (91% of the total); 27% of the patients have psychosis, and over 50% are deemed to have a personality disorder. The average TBS patient stays 50 months in a TBS unit, and 69 months in custody altogether.TBS Treatment and effectivenessIn the Pompekliniek observed, the main treatment is a therapeutic community with good occupational facilities. Discharge is supervised by the probation service. A total of 42% of patients reoffended during the TBS order. Post‐order recidivism was 52%.ObservationsThe TBs service is overloaded. Many patients have to wait in a queue for their place. Staff have few psychiatric and medical skills. There is a shortage of psychologists. In the Pompekliniek there was excessive use of seclusion. Forensic psychiatry has, on the whole, a sympathetic press. t and treatment. The Dutch system would gain from specialist forensic psychiatry training schemes, as in Britain. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Levels of literacy among juvenile offenders: the incidence of specific reading difficulties
Authors: Snowling Margaret J. , Adams John W. , Bowyer‐Crane Claudine , Tobin Vanessa 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIntroductionAcademic achievement is low among offenders. Yet there is little evidence that prisoners are less literate than the general population. Do they have more dyslexia? This paper considers three definitions of dyslexia to see whether they relate to young offenders' literacy difficulties.MethodThe reading and spelling skills of 91 15‐ to 17‐year‐old male juvenile offenders who were incarcerated are reported, together with assessments of their vocabulary and non‐verbal (spatial) skills. Estimates of the prevalence of reading disability are considered in relation to different definitions of dyslexia.ResultsThe regression of literacy skills on non‐verbal ability yielded an estimated prevalence of 57% while a more conservative estimate of 43% followed from the regression of literacy skill on verbal ability, and 38% of the sample had specific phonological deficits. Many of the offenders had experienced social and family adversity and reported poor school attendance.DiscussionIt is proposed that as a group, juvenile offenders are best described as having general verbal deficits encompassing problems of language and literacy. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.