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Abstract
The population is ageing and the needs of older adults may not be being met in the field of forensic psychiatry. This survey gathered information about the number and the needs of older adult patients in a special secure forensic psychiatry care in Scotland. Inpatients of The State Hospital, Carstairs aged 55 or over throughout a 10-year period were included. This population has heterogeneous and complex needs. The most common diagnoses are of psychotic illnesses. Most patients are admitted from other secure psychiatric facilities or prison and the duration of admission is long. There are high rates of physical illness, mobility impairment, sensory impairment and polypharmacy. Offences tend to be at the severe end of the spectrum, including homicide, sexual offences and other violent offences. Most patients are single males and socioeconomic classes IV and V are over-represented. Further research will inform development of services for this population.