Delinquency and criminal offenses in former schizophrenic inpatients 7-12 years following discharge

Background Previously, we reported a high prevalence of aggression in a large sample of schizophrenic patients treated between 1990-1995 in the psychiatric hospital of the University of Munich. Aims To assess the prevalence of criminal offences and delinquency in former schizophrenic inpatients following discharge. Method With permission of the German General Attorney we reviewed the national criminal register records of criminal offences of these patients for a 7-12 year period following discharge. Results 224 (13.1%) of the 1705 patients had been convicted in the 7-12 year post discharge period. Male patients (22.1%) outnumbered female patients (6.9%) 3:1 in this respect. The rate for violent offences was especially high: 45 (2.6%) of the sample were convicted for physical injury offences (68 cases). Five cases of attempted or completed manslaughter or murder were recorded. Conclusions These data indicate a significant rate of delinquency and serious physical injuries in former schizophrenic inpatients. Future research may try to identify risk factors for aggression and violence in schizophrenic patients.