Offending among first episode schizophrenics

Abstract

Sixteen per cent (33 patients) of a large group of individuals in their first episode of schizophrenia, had committed an offence within the 5-year period immediately prior to their initial admission to hospital. Information on these patients and their offending behaviour was available from data collected at the time of their original presentation. A total of 55 offences were recorded, mostly acquisitive or involving minor interpersonal violence. Nearly half the patients were clearly ill at the time of their offence, and a significant proportion were acting in direct response to psychotic symptoms. Despite this only a minority received a psychiatric disposal.