Citation

Tikkanen R, Holi M, Lindberg N, Tiihonen J, Virkkunen M. Psychiatry Res. 2009; 168(1): 18-25.

Affiliation

Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.psychres.2008.02.009

PMID

19467714

Abstract

Predictive data supporting prevention of violent criminality are scarce. We examined risk factors for recidivism and mortality among non-psychotic alcoholic violent offenders, the majority having antisocial or borderline personality disorders, or both, which is a group that commits the majority of violent offenses in Finland. Criminal records and mortality data on 242 male alcoholic violent offenders were analysed after a 7- to 15-year follow-up, and compared between themselves and with those of 1210 age-, sex- and municipality-matched controls. Recidivism and mortality rates were high. The risk of recidivistic violence was increased by antisocial or borderline personality disorder, or both, childhood maltreatment, and a combination of these. A combination of borderline personality disorder and childhood maltreatment was particularly noxious, suggesting an additive risk increase for a poor outcome. Accurate diagnosis and careful childhood interview may help to predict recidivism and premature death.

Language: en