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Delinquency and criminal offenses in former schizophrenic inpatients 7–12 years following discharge

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Abstract.

Background:

Previously, we reported a high prevalence of aggression in a large sample of schizophrenic patients treated between 1990–1995 in the psychiatric hospital of the University of Munich.

Aims:

To assess the prevalence of criminal offences and delinquency in former schizophrenic inpatients following discharge.

Method:

With permission of the German General Attorney we reviewed the national criminal register records of criminal offences of these patients for a 7–12 year period following discharge.

Results:

224 (13.1%) of the 1705 patients had been convicted in the 7–12 year post discharge period. Male patients (22.1%) outnumbered female patients (6.9 %) 3:1 in this respect. The rate for violent offences was especially high: 45 (2.6 %) of the sample were convicted for physical injury offences (68 cases). Five cases of attempted or completed manslaughter or murder were recorded.

Conclusions:

These data indicate a significant rate of delinquency and serious physical injuries in former schizophrenic inpatients. Future research may try to identify risk factors for aggression and violence in schizophrenic patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychiatric Hospital, University of Munich, Nußbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany

    Michael Soyka & Veronika Morhart-Klute

  2. Institut für die gesamten Strafrechtswissenschaften, LMU München, Professor-Huber-Platz 2, 80539, Munich, Germany

    Heinz Schoech

Authors
  1. Michael Soyka
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  2. Veronika Morhart-Klute
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  3. Heinz Schoech
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Correspondence to Michael Soyka.

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Soyka, M., Morhart-Klute, V. & Schoech, H. Delinquency and criminal offenses in former schizophrenic inpatients 7–12 years following discharge. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 254, 289–294 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-004-0495-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-004-0495-0

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