NCJ Number
186417
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2000 Pages: 1193-1196
Date Published
November 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study determined the clinical and demographic characteristics of the male elderly offenders admitted to a maximum-security forensic hospital.
Abstract
Charts of male elderly patients (55 years and older) who were admitted to Bridgewater State Hospital (Massachusetts) from November 1995 to November 1997 for forensic evaluation were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were obtained: age, marital status, race, reason for the referral, religion, educational attainment, military service, vocation, history of alcohol abuse, arrest history due to assault and violence, charges on admission, psychiatric diagnosis, psychiatric history, neurological illness, and past medical history. Twenty-two elderly offenders composed the sample. Twelve were aged 55 to 64 and 10 were 65 and older. Eighty-six percent were Caucasians. Seventy-seven percent were unmarried at the time of admission, suggesting that the lack of a support system reduces avenues to express emotions in a positive way. Unexpressed rage may increase the potential to commit a crime. Seventy-three percent had served in the military. Eighty-six percent had an alcohol abuse history, and 59 percent had a history of psychiatric hospitalization; 32 percent had a history of self-injurious behavior. Seventy-three percent had significant medical histories. Seventy-seven percent were involved in charges for violent offenses, and approximately 45 percent had two or more such charges. Fifty percent had been arrested for violence and assault in the past. Nine of those who were charged with violence had psychosis. Consistent with other studies, 10 elderly offenders who had a history of head trauma and/or neurological disorder were charged with a violent offense. 1 table and 8 references