NCJ Number
230806
Date Published
2010
Length
16 pages
Annotation
In discussing the management of mentally disordered sexual offenders (MDSOs) in the United Kingdom, this chapter describes the "trans-institutionalization" phenomenon, the prevalence of major mental disorders among sexual offenders, and the special considerations and approaches for MDSOs.
Abstract
Due to a number of factors, a dramatic reduction occurred in the number of chronic care beds for the severely mentally ill. For a large number of people with mental illness, this meant a lack of appropriate community supports, leaving many without stable housing and needed supervision. Many of these individuals engaged in behaviors that brought them into the criminal justice system and commitment to criminal justice facilities. This phenomenon became known as "trans-institutionalization." The precise rate of severe mental illness among sexual offenders in the United Kingdom is not known; however, several studies have examined this issue and found a high percentage of MDSOs. Appropriate diagnosis of mental disorders is required and treatment of mental disorders must be delivered in optimizing the treatment of MDSOs. Often the mental disorders are a factor in sexual offending and require special attention in order to provide appropriate treatment and manage risk. This chapter focuses on how treatment should be tailored to MDSOs with the following types of mental disorders: psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dementing disorders. 1 figure and 39 references