ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Elderly Offenders at a Maximum-Security Forensic Hospital
Rayel, MG
Staff psychiatrist, Dr. G. B. Cross Memorial Hospital, NV

(Received 8 February 1999; accepted 5 November 1999)

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and demographic characteristics of the male elderly offenders admitted to a maximum-security forensic hospital. Charts of male elderly patients were reviewed to obtain clinical and demographic data. Seventy-seven percent of geriatric felons were involved in violent crime. 41% of which had psychotic symptoms. Forty-five percent of offenders with a history of head trauma/neurologic disorder were charged with violent offenses. Fifty-nine percent had previous psychiatric hospitalization. Most elderly male offenders involved in violent crimes had primary psychotic and mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and a history of head trauma/neurologic disorder. The small number of subjects precludes clear conclusions and needs further study.

Keywords:
forensic science, geriatric, psychiatric, prison hospital, elderly offenders, mental illness, violence

Paper ID: JFS14866J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14866J
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