Elderly criminal patients in Razi psychiatric hospital of tunis. (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jemli, H.; Jomli, R.; Rym, H.; Bouslama, I.; Ahmed, A. Ben Cheikh; Nacef, F.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 64:Supplement 1(2021)
• Page Start: S379
• Page End: S379
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: Elderly -- forensic psychiatry -- criminality; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.1015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Criminality has become of increasing concern in the practice of psychiatry. However, violence among elderly psychiatric patients is an underestimated and understudied phenomenon. Objectives: The aim of the study is to identify differences in the socio-demographic, clinical and criminological profiles between elderly criminals under treatment for psychiatric disorders and those not known to have mental disorders prior to the criminal offense in Tunisia. Methods: We present a retrospective study on twenty male criminal mental patients, aged sixty years or older, who were hospitalized in the Forensic Psychiatry Department of Razi Hospital during 18 years, following a dismissal for insanity under Article 38 of the Penal Code and Article 29 of Law 92/83 on Mental Health. Results: Prevalence was higher among elderly criminals without a known psychiatric history (2.42% versus 1.98%). The average age was roughly the same, around 73 years old.Neurological and cardiovascular histories were the most common in both groups. The criminal act was indicative of dementia in 8 cases. Criminal history was more frequent in elderly patients with a personal psychiatric history (55.5% versus 18.2%). Patients whose act was revelatory of their mental disorder committed more violent crimes (63.7% versus 44.4%) using blunt objects (71.4% versus 0%).The victim most often belonged to the aggressor's family, particularly the spouse (87.5%). Conclusions: Screening for criminal risk factors in the elderly, early diagnosis of mental disorders and a comprehensive therapeutic project are necessary to prevent the risk of violent behaviour.