Risk factors of violent offending in mentally ill prisoners with autism spectrum disorders.
Autism spectrum disorders
Comorbidity
Forensic psychiatry
Risk factors
Violence
Journal
Journal of psychiatric research
ISSN: 1879-1379
Titre abrégé: J Psychiatr Res
Pays: England
ID NLM: 0376331
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Nov 2021
Nov 2021
Historique:
received:
21
05
2021
revised:
30
07
2021
accepted:
01
09
2021
pubmed:
10
9
2021
medline:
3
11
2021
entrez:
9
9
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Results of research regarding a possible causal relation between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and violence are mixed. Several explanations have been proposed. To assess prevalence rates of comorbid disorders in a large sample of mentally ill offenders diagnosed with ASD. Offenders with and without comorbid mental disorders were compared on several characteristics. To better understand the relationship between ASD and violent criminal behavior, the predictive value of several proposed risk factors (comorbidity, negative social network/influenceability, and childhood trauma/victimization) on violent offending was investigated. Data of 394 male offenders with a diagnosis of ASD were included. Prevalence rates of comorbid mental disorders next to ASD were calculated, and characteristics were compared using chi-square or t-tests. The predictive value of the risk factors was assessed using a binary logistic regression (n = 357). High rates of comorbidity were found (78.9%), specifically for substance use disorders (39.8%), schizophrenia spectrum disorders (31.7%), and neurodevelopmental disorder other than ASD (24.1%). Offenders with and without comorbidity differed significantly in their criminal and mental health care history. Both comorbidity (OR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.27-2.18) and a negative social network/influenceability (OR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.11-1.99) showed to be significant predictors of violent offending within this sample. The highest rates of comorbid disorders found were disorders that have been previously linked to violent offending, and the risk of violent offending could be unrelated to ASD. However, the role of social functioning indicates a risk specific to the symptoms of ASD.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Results of research regarding a possible causal relation between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and violence are mixed. Several explanations have been proposed.
AIMS
OBJECTIVE
To assess prevalence rates of comorbid disorders in a large sample of mentally ill offenders diagnosed with ASD. Offenders with and without comorbid mental disorders were compared on several characteristics. To better understand the relationship between ASD and violent criminal behavior, the predictive value of several proposed risk factors (comorbidity, negative social network/influenceability, and childhood trauma/victimization) on violent offending was investigated.
METHOD
METHODS
Data of 394 male offenders with a diagnosis of ASD were included. Prevalence rates of comorbid mental disorders next to ASD were calculated, and characteristics were compared using chi-square or t-tests. The predictive value of the risk factors was assessed using a binary logistic regression (n = 357).
RESULTS
RESULTS
High rates of comorbidity were found (78.9%), specifically for substance use disorders (39.8%), schizophrenia spectrum disorders (31.7%), and neurodevelopmental disorder other than ASD (24.1%). Offenders with and without comorbidity differed significantly in their criminal and mental health care history. Both comorbidity (OR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.27-2.18) and a negative social network/influenceability (OR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.11-1.99) showed to be significant predictors of violent offending within this sample.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
The highest rates of comorbid disorders found were disorders that have been previously linked to violent offending, and the risk of violent offending could be unrelated to ASD. However, the role of social functioning indicates a risk specific to the symptoms of ASD.
Identifiants
pubmed: 34500347
pii: S0022-3956(21)00549-5
doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.09.010
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
183-188Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.