Self‐reported forensic histories amongst patients admitted to an acute psychiatric unit

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the rates of forensic histories of people admitted to an acute psychiatric unit, in the public mental health system of South Australia. The study was conducted using individual interviews by research team members, relying on self‐report of forensic contact Data were collected from 83% of the patients admitted to the unit over a three month period (n = 119). The study shows a high number (24%) of patients admitted to an acute ward had charges pending and 36% admitted to previous convictions. Some of the charges and convictions appeared to relate to behaviour which had occurred as a result of mental illness. There was a significant association between substance abuse, impending court cases and previous convictions.