Chronic mental illness and the criminal justice system

B. H. McFarland, L. R. Faulkner, J. D. Bloom, R. Hallaux, J. D. Bray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

A total of 260 family members responded to a survey seeking information about their mentally ill relatives' contacts with the criminal justice system. Reports by family members indicated that the mentally ill relatives were mainly men in their early thirties with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder; they had had an average of four admissions to a state mental hospital. The majority had been arrested, but only a fifth had been convicted of a crime. Substance abuse and noncompliance with psychiatric medications were significant predictors of arrest. Family members overwhelmingly attributed the arrests to psychiatric crises, and in about half the cases a failed attempt at commitment had preceded the arrest. However, only a minority of the mentally ill relatives were taken to a hospital at the time of the arrest. The findings highlight the need for closer collaboration between mental health specialists and law enforcement personnel.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)718-723
Number of pages6
JournalHospital and Community Psychiatry
Volume40
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 1989
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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