Sexual differences in forensic patients

Abstract

In a sample of 239 male and 67 female presentations to forensic psychiatrists, the females were significantly more likely to be referred by solicitors, doctors, or probation officers. The males more often came from court or prison requests and were more likely to be seen in prison. Similarly, the referral of males was more often precipitated by an offence. Yet the females were more likely to have committed an offence of arson or public disorder. But apart from arson, the females were less likely to have a history of dangerous behaviour. Recent psychiatric involvement was more common in the females. The diagnostic differences were consistent with general psychiatric practice. Females had a greater chance of being offered outpatient treatment but were less likely actually to receive it. There were no apparent sexual differences in the reasons recorded for the lapses, but outpatient treatment appeared less successful with females. Males were more likely to be compulsorily treated using a condition of treatment attached to a probation order.