A Comparative Study of Offence Types among Forensic Psychiatry Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Psychiatric illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and mood disorders, are linked with a higher risk of criminal behaviour. Understanding diagnostic correlations with offence types is crucial for effective forensic and rehabilitative strategies. Marginalisation, inadequate recognition of psychiatric needs, and repeated incarceration worsen outcomes. Mental illness interacts with social, economic, and environmental stressors, demanding multidisciplinary and preventive approaches in forensic psychiatry. Objectives: To compare offence patterns among forensic patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders; to analyse demographic and clinical influences on legal outcomes; to assess the role of comorbidities in offence severity; and to propose frameworks for rehabilitation, early detection, and diversion to psychiatric care. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 60 forensic psychiatry patients (30 with schizophrenia, 30 with mood disorders) at a tertiary care centre. Data on demographics, diagnosis, offence type, substance use, comorbidity, and recidivism were collected using structured proformas. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and descriptive statistics, with subgroup analysis for recidivism. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional review board. Results: Violent offences were significantly higher among schizophrenia patients (100%) than mood disorder patients (33%). Substance use, particularly alcohol and cannabis, was prevalent in schizophrenia (70%). Murder and grievous hurt dominated schizophrenia cases, while mood disorder patients were more often involved in non-violent and property-related crimes. Comorbid medical conditions, ASPD traits (27%), and recidivism was higher in schizophrenia. Property offences predominated among remand prisoners with mood disorders. Conclusion: Schizophrenia is strongly associated with violent offences, underscoring the need for diagnosis-specific forensic interventions. Targeted treatment, risk assessment, and structured rehabilitation can reduce recidivism and enhance correctional mental health care. Policy reforms ensuring early psychiatric intervention and adequately trained correctional staff are vital.