Comparison of outcome in men and women after treatment in psychiatric security hospitals in Germany.

Previous research has shown that forensic psychiatric treatment reduces reoffending, rehospitalization and premature mortality. Treatment outcome varies with diagnosis, but little is known about the influence of sex, psychosocial adjustment and aftercare. To assess these variables, we interviewed male and female patients discharged from three psychiatric security hospitals in Germany in the years 2010-2017. Participants were interviewed at discharge (n = 609) and 1 year later (n = 366) about reoffending, readmissions, substance use and psychosocial adjustment. Among patients with substance use disorder (SUD), 14% reoffended, 20% were re-hospitalized and 60% maintained abstinence. Among patients with severe mental disorder, 5% reoffended and 13% were re-hospitalized. Significant sex differences were found in offenders with SUD. The results suggest that sociodemographic and disorder-related risk factors are associated with treatment success and that female patients with SUD might need a specific treatment approach. Sex-specific aspects, diagnosis and psychosocial adjustment should be considered in forensic psychiatric treatment and risk assessment.

[Who Benefits from Forensic Psychiatric Treatment? Results of a Catamnestic Study in Swabia]. / Wer profitiert von einer Behandlung im Maßregelvollzug? Ergebnisse einer bayernweiten Katamnesestudie für den Bezirk Schwaben.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of treatment outcomes of forensic inpatients in the Bavarian district of Swabia (2010 - 2014). METHODS: 130 inpatients were interviewed about their social reintegration, substance use and delinquency immediately after discharge from forensic psychiatry and one year after. RESULTS: One year after discharge 67 % of the patients referred due to substance use disorder according to §â€Š64 of the German Penal Code were employed, 57 % were abstinent and 83 % did not reoffend. Patients who were detained due to severe mental illness according to §â€Š63 of the German Penal Code often received inability pensions (57 %), 14 % were integrated in sheltered workshops and 100 % did not reoffend. CONCLUSION: Forensic-psychiatric treatment contributes to rehabilitation and reduces risk factors of mentally disordered offenders.