Profile of forensic psychiatric inpatients referred to the Free State Psychiatric Complex, 2004–2008

Abstract

<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> An accused found unfit to stand trial and/or not responsible for his/her actions because of mental illness, is declared a state patient by the court. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The aim of the study was to analyse the biographical data and relevant particulars of forensic psychiatric inpatients who were admitted to the Free State Psychiatric Complex (FSPC) according to section 42 of the Mental Health Care Act (no. 17 of 2002), from 2004 to 2008. Study design A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted. Method One hundred and twenty forensic psychiatric inpatients admitted to the FSCP in the terms of section 42 of the Mental Health Care Act in the period 2004–2008, were included in the study.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The majority (95.8%) of the offenders were male, unmarried (83.8%) and unemployed (81.5%). The median age was 32.5 years. Most of the offenses against persons were of a sexual nature (45.8%). More than half (55.5%) of the forensic inpatients were diagnosed with schizophrenia, followed by mental retardation (10%) and bipolar mood disorder. Eighty percent (80%) of these patients were found not competent to stand trial and unaccountable. Fifty percent (50%) of the participants received treatment for a mental illness prior to the crime, and were also known to have poor compliance and defaulted from treatment in the past.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The findings of this study can contribute to implement effective management and training programmes for the benefit of state patients.</p>

Social determinants of health in male forensic patients admitted at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in South Africa

“…Lastly, the majority of forensic patients admitted at Weskoppies hospital were diagnosed with schizophrenia, followed by intellectual disability, and this is similar to previous studies conducted in other forensic mental health units (Houidi et al, 2018; Marais & Subramaney, 2015; Pienaar et al, 2011; Prinsloo et al, 2017). A significant number of forensic patients were not on medication prior to their admission.…”

“…Findings on education reveal poor education history in both study population groups – similar to other South African studies conducted in psychiatric settings (Marais & Subramaney, 2015; Pienaar et al, 2011; Prinsloo et al, 2017). In this study, majority of forensic patients were not formally educated, did not complete high school and did not have access to tertiary education as compared to the general public (Statistics South Africa, 2020).…”

“…Forensic psychiatry professionals receive court orders to assess individuals awaiting trial as per Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 55 of 1977 (as amended) section 77 and 78 and provide the referring court with rec ommendations as per section 79 (Africa, 2008). Furthe rmore, the court issues orders for assessed individuals who commit major crimes and fulfil section 77 and/or section 78 to be admitted as forensic patient (Africa, 2008;Pienaar et al, 2011). Admitted forensic patients receive care, treat ment and rehabilitation until they are assessed to be stable enough for reintegration back into the community (Africa, 2008).…”