NCJ Number
138192
Journal
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 37 Dated: (March 1992) Pages: 100-103
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Of 69 men and women prisoners in Kuwait's central prison referred for assessment over a 9-month period, 36.2 percent had a major psychiatric disorder, 53.6 percent had a minor psychiatric illness, 44.9 percent were charged with major offenses, and 55.1 committed minor offenses.
Abstract
All referrals were examined by a consultant psychiatrist with respect to mental state, family history, psychiatric and criminal records, and current offense. Data from independent sources, such as prison medical officers or social workers, were sought when necessary, and relatives were interviewed when possible. Major psychiatric disorders consisted of psychoses, while minor disorders included personality problems, drug abuse, and mental retardation. Major offenses included murder or attempted murder, rape, and drug smuggling. Minor offenses involved driving while impaired, fraud, and theft. One-third of the sample had a previous criminal record, and about half had past psychiatric contacts. Schizophrenic patients with active symptoms appeared to be more likely to commit violent offenses. Of 10 prisoners who committed murder, 9 were patients with schizophrenia. Almost all of the psychotic patients had active symptoms at the time they committed their offenses. The most probable reason for committing crimes was psychosis. Underlying psychosocial factors associated with the psychiatric profile of prisoners are discussed. Ways of minimizing the vulnerability and victimization of individuals with serious mental disorders are suggested. More research is recommended to study the criminal behavior of the mentally ill in general and schizophrenics in particular. 11 references and 6 tables