Heather M Moulden1,2, Liam E Marshall3,4. 1. Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th St., Hamilton, ON, L8N3K7, Canada. hmoulden@stjoes.ca. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. hmoulden@stjoes.ca. 3. Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishine, ON, Canada. 4. Rockwood Psychotherapy and Consulting, Midland, ON, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is evidence showing an increasing prevalence of mental illness in those in conflict with the law. However, there are many factors affecting the detection, treatment, and management of criminals who are mentally ill. RECENT FINDINGS: Sex offenders with major mental illness present many challenges to those providing treatment and management services. For example, it is important to consider whether sexually offensive behavior is the cause of criminal behavior or whether it is reflective of an antisocial orientation. Recent evidence suggests it may help better understand and inform risk assessment and management. This paper will review the literature on mental illness among sexual offenders, present a typology to aid in the assessment, treatment, and management of sexual offender with mental illness, and highlight important considerations when providing treatment to sexual offenders with mental illness.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is evidence showing an increasing prevalence of mental illness in those in conflict with the law. However, there are many factors affecting the detection, treatment, and management of criminals who are mentally ill. RECENT FINDINGS: Sex offenders with major mental illness present many challenges to those providing treatment and management services. For example, it is important to consider whether sexually offensive behavior is the cause of criminal behavior or whether it is reflective of an antisocial orientation. Recent evidence suggests it may help better understand and inform risk assessment and management. This paper will review the literature on mental illness among sexual offenders, present a typology to aid in the assessment, treatment, and management of sexual offender with mental illness, and highlight important considerations when providing treatment to sexual offenders with mental illness.
Entities:
Keywords:
Comorbidity; Mental disorder; Mental illness; Risk assessment; Sexual abuse; Sexual offending; Treatment
Authors: Paul A Vöhringer; Sergio A Barroilhet; Andrea Amerio; Maria Laura Reale; Katherine Alvear; Derick Vergne; S Nassir Ghaemi Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2013-08-08 Impact factor: 4.157