Citation

Schanda H, Gruber K, Habeler A. Psychiatr. Prax. 2000; 27(6): 263-269.

Vernacular Title

Aggressives Verhalten zurechnungsunfahiger psychisch kranker Straftater wahrend

Affiliation

Justizanstalt Göllersdorf.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11050731

Abstract

OBJECTIVE, METHODS: To assess the amount of violent behaviour among mentally ill offenders NGRI during forensic long-term inpatient-treatment we retrospectively investigated the official incident-reports concerning verbal and physical aggression and damage to foreign property during an 8-year period in Austria's central high-security institution. RESULTS: 29.2% of our patients exhibited violent behaviour with only 7.8% being responsible for 41.1% of all incidents. Mentally impaired patients were significantly overrepresented in the violent group. Physical violence was reported in 25.8% (= 16.48 assaults/100 patients/year). 68% of the total amount of physical violence was directed against fellow patients. Violent behaviour was less driven by psychotic symptoms but rather by current everyday conflicts and stress situations. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of incidents had only minor consequences. Yet, an inquiry concerning the offenders' intentions and the danger experienced by staff members indicated a reasonable violent potential also in minor assaults which appears to be important with respect to ward climate and distress of staff.

Language: de