Objectification of the diminished responsibility criteria

Abstract

The aim of the study is objectification of the diminished responsibility criteria.

Methods:

Clinical psychopathological, statistical analysis.

Results:

Decision of diminished responsibility in 70% of patients was connected with assessment of the severity of disorder, that were mainly psychopathic and organic syndromes non specific in relation to forensic psychiatric decision. There is a need in non-clinical parameter helpful to assess a tendency of psychopathological condition. The social adjustment indices found out to be such a parameter. The indices included: educational level; employment and its concordance with patient's education; registration at the dispensary (outpatient mental health clinic); number of inpatient treatment; marital status, family relationships, patient's position in a group of reference. The study has shown the lower level of social adjustment in the group of diminished responsible patients. They were more often registered at the dispensaries and had a history of inpatient mental health treatment. They were low educated and engaged in lower paid and low qualification job. More than 50% did not have family.

Thus, assessing the patients with clinically similar parameters it is necessary to take into account the social adjustment parameters to objectify the forensic psychiatric decision.