Clinical Diagnostic Features and Dynamic Risk Factors in a New Zealand Inpatient Forensic Mental Health Setting

Abstract

The aim of the study is to describe inpatient characteristics (i.e., demographic, legal status, type of offence, diagnosis, and medication) and dynamic risk factors towards the identification of potential clinical service gaps and to enhance service provision. A cross-sectional study of 120 adults from eight inpatient service units of the Mason Clinic at the Regional Forensic Psychiatry Service in Auckland, New Zealand was conducted based on largely descriptive data from patient case files. The study found that the majority of patients were diagnosed with some form of psychotic disorder, substance-related disorder, and/or personality disorder features, had committed serious violent offences and were identified as having multiple dynamic risk factors. Māori (indigenous to New Zealand) made up 40% of all inpatients and were over-represented. The study indicated a need for greater provision of treatment for cognitive impairment, sexual offending, and gender-specific differences in relation to emotional regulation. The importance of identifying and targeting dynamic risk factors that are amenable to change was emphasised.