Psychiatric diagnoses and multiyear criminal recidivism in a Canadian provincial offender population.

Abstract

Abundant research confirms a high prevalence of substance use and mental disorders in correctional samples. It is unclear, however, how these contribute to the risk of repeat offending. The present study examined offense trajectories within a Canadian Provincial offender population (N = 31,014), and observed that offenders with non–substance-related mental disorders were at no greater risk of recidivism than those with no diagnosis. In contrast, odds of recidivism were significantly higher among those with substance use and/or co-occurring disorders. These findings add strength to the emerging conclusion that non–substance-related mental disorders are, as a group, less likely to predict recidivism than substance use disorders. Notably, nearly 50% of repeat offenders had a physician-diagnosed substance use disorder in the 5 years prior to their index offense. Results are discussed in relation to the necessity for targeted evidence-based partnerships between health and corrections sectors that are responsive to both public health and safety.

The relationship between mental illness and violence in a mentally disordered offender sample: evaluating criminogenic and psychopathological predictors

“…Consistent with the results of the most recent meta-analyses (Bonta, Blais, & Wilson, 2014) and subsequent studies (Kingston et al, 2015;Rezansoff et al, 2013), the best predictors of criminal recidivism were consistent with the central eight risk factors identified within the GPCSL.…”

“…In an updated meta-analysis, Bonta, Blais, and Wilson (2013) reported that the central eight risk factors were important predictors of general and violent recidivism among mentally disordered offenders, whereas clinical variables, such as schizophrenia were not significant predictors. Since the publication of this latest quantitative review, several studies have been conducted that continue to support the notion that mental illness fails to reliably predict recidivism in offender samples and that the best predictors are consistent with the GPCSL model (Kingston, Olver, Harris, Wong, & Bradford, 2015;Rezansoff, Moniruzzaman, Gress, & Somers, 2013;Skeem, Winter, Kennealy, Louden, & Tatar, 2014).…”

“…NSMDs included any Axis I mental health diagnosis that did not also have a co-occurring SUD. In this study, we partitioned substance use from non-SUDs because the former is more heavily weighted toward the GPCSL model and general antisocial characteristics (also see Rezansoff et al, 2013). Finally, we assessed the relevance of any comorbidity as well as concurrent diagnoses; that is, a mental disorder that is comorbid with an SUD.…”

An Examination of Criminogenic Needs, Mental Health Concerns, and Recidivism in a Sample of Violent Young Offenders: Implications for Risk, Need, and Responsivity

“…Only when combined with co-morbid substance abuse, was severe mental illness significantly related to a higher incidence of violence. Additional lines of research have confirmed the moderating effect of SUD coupled with mental illness among adult samples (Ferguson, Ogloff, & Thomson, 2009;Ogloff et al, 2004;Rezansoff et al, 2013;Steadman et al, 1998;Wallace, Mullen, & Burgess, 2004). Alternatively, a few studies have found a significant relationship between mental illness and the likelihood of violence, irrespective of substance abuse (Short, Thomas, Mullen, & Ogloff, 2013;Van Dorn, Volavka, & Johnson, 2012).…”

“…Compared to the general non-criminal adult population, mentally ill patients have been found to have higher arrest rates (Harris & Lurigio, 2007;Mullen, 2006); however there is some indication that non-substance related mental illness alone is not a strong risk factor for criminal activity among adult offenders (Bonta, Law, & Hanson, 1998;Elbogen & Johnson, 2009;Mullen, 2006;Rezansoff, Moniruzzaman, Gress, & Somers, 2013). Bivariate and multivariate analyses on data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; N D 34, 653), revealed that severe mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression) alone was not predictive of future violence (Elbogen & Johnson, 2009).…”