Structured group intervention for psychiatric patients with social conflicts: a consideration of psychiatric and legal labeling.

ABSTRACT

A structured programme was organized to address the high rate of legal conflicts among our in-patient population, the personal problems (e.g., denial) and practical problems (e.g. trying to find a job with a criminal record) which complicate their resolution. Active conflicts involved criminal mischief, breach of peace, fraud, burglary, larceny, assault, drug-related offenses, civil suits, etc. Common aspects of conflicts which were identified for discussion by members included authority issues, family reactions, employment, guilt, social rejection, etc. Well-described dynamics of deviant ("psychiatric") behaviour were seen applicable to legally-conflicted behaviour blaming the victim; stereotyping; issues of accepting and escaping a label. Observation of interpersonal relationships in groups have potential application to forensic situations.