2831 – Addictive behaviours and criminal offences in patients with bipolar disorders

Abstract

Introduction:Several studies suggest mental disorders and substance misuse to be associated with a higher rate of violence and crime.The aim of this study was to determinate the correlation between addictive behaviours and criminal offences in patients suffering from bipolar disorder.Methods:Twenty-eight subjects with bipolar disorder were recruited from the forensic psychiatry service in Razi hospital and each one was compared with two patients suffering from bipolar disorder, correlated in gender and age and without history of criminal behavior. Data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5Results:The most frequent crimes committed by patients (about two thirds) were nonviolent (theft, pyromania, fraud, falsification of documents, damage to a property…).The rate of criminal behavior was highest during manic episodes: 51, 7%.Substance use was present in 66,7% of patients with history of criminal behavior against 30% in the comparative group.This association was significant (p = 0,002). The odds ratio was about 5.Conclusions:Our study suggests that comorbid bipolar disorder and addictive behavior may significantly increase the risk of criminality.