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Patterns of Recidivism and Relapse among Groups of Mentally Disordered Offenders

NCJ Number
120651
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (Autumn 1989) Pages: 551-558
Author(s)
S Hodgins; L Gaston
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The management and treatment of mentally disordered offenders is significantly limited by a lack of detailed knowledge of this population.
Abstract
This study attempted to identify five groups of male, mentally disordered criminals: career criminals, chronic schizophrenics, violent psychotics, violent middle class individuals, and intellectually handicapped subjects. The sample consisted of 181 males judged unfit to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. They were followed for a period of 6.1 years following their discharge to the community. The five groups were found to be distinguished by factors that related to recidivism but not to relapse. 1 note, 3 tables, 25 references. (Author abstract modified)