2311 – Prevalence of mentally ill offenders hospitalized last three years in forensic unit - clinic of psychiatry in Prishtina and forensic mental health service establishment

Abstract

BackgroundForensic Psychiatry and Mental Health Service as new field in our country needs strategies for management and rehabilitation programs.The aimTo evaluate socio-demographic characteristics and prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis of inpatients hospitalized in last three year period time from January 2009 up to December 2011. Specific objectives of this study were to identify the rehabilitation programs of treatment and specific training needs of mental health professionals according to our results findings.MethodsThis retrospective study used the method of socio-demographic data collection, review and study of documented diagnosis based on ICD-10 criteria for mental disorders and Structured Clinical Interview (SCID), data records by court and other hetero-anamnesis data of all forensic inpatients who underwent psychiatric forensic evaluation and assessment according to court request. Descriptive approach for analyses was used.ResultsSubjects were referred either directly from prison (23,2%) or from court (76,8%) for forensic psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. The majority of offenders (85,7%) were under trial, and physical threatening being the most common charge than domestic violence and murder. Prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis was 94,6%, the most common being psychosis 69,1%. Drug abuse and personality disorders including high-risk behaviors were also common.ConclusionRehabilitation programs of treatment and management with specific focus on psychotic disorders, sever personality disorder and drug abuse are needed. Establishment of Forensic Mental Health System in Kosovo will fulfill the implementation of legal framework including the rights and human treatment of all mentally ill offenders.

Developing Forensic Mental Healthcare in Kosovo

“…The unit was mainly used for forensic psychiatric assessment; long-term inpatient treatment for mentally disordered offenders was rare (8). The majority of offenders suffering from a mental disorder are detained in the Medical Ward of Dubrava Prison, which is the country’s largest prison with ca.…”