Psychopathy and institutional outcome in patients with schizophrenia in forensic settings in the UK
Received 1 February 2005; received in revised form 29 June 2005; accepted 3 July 2005.
Abstract
This study examined the institutional outcomes (12 weeks post-admission) of 134 male patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL: SV) in a medium secure unit in the UK. High psychopathy scorers (HP) were more likely to be violent, non-compliant with programmes, engage in substance misuse violations, have criminal attitudes/peers and have low levels of insight into risk and violence. Psychopathy was also a modest predictor of institutional outcome in these domains.
The University of Manchester and Adult Forensic Service, The Edenfield Centre, Bolton Salford Trafford NHS Mental Health Trust, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 3BL, UK