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Young ‘Psychopaths’ in Special Hospital: Treatment and Outcome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

D. Reiss ,
D. Grubin  and
C. Meux
D. Reiss*
Affiliation:
Bethlem-Maudsley Hospital
D. Grubin
Affiliation:
St. Nicholas' Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne
C. Meux
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry and Broadmoor Hospital
*
Dr David Reiss, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Background

The ‘Young Persons Unit’ (YPU) at Broadmoor Hospital offers psychotherapeutic treatment for young adult male patients. The study objective was to report background details, treatment and outcome of the ward's personality disordered patients.

Method

The sample consisted of 49 patients, with the legal classification of psychopathic disorder, treated on the unit for at least one year. Data were collected from existing case records. Outcome was recorded until discharge from statutory supervision. Outcome measures were recidivism and a variety of social factors.

Results

At follow-up 10 patients had reoffended, with four having committed serious violent or sexual offences. Two patients had died. A history of sex offending was the strongest predictor of subsequent reoffending. No patients with good social outcome reoffended.

Conclusions

Young patients with personality disorder can be successfully treated on the YPU. The management of sex offenders in this group requires further attention. Successful social integration within the community after discharge may help prevent future reoffending.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 1 , January 1996 , pp. 99 - 104
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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