Comparison of sociodemographic features, psychopathy and aggression levels of criminal and non-criminal schizophrenia patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study is to examine factors associated with involvement in crime in schizophrenia patients. Methods: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) were included in the study. Based on their history of crime, the sample was divided into criminal (n=60) and non-criminal (n=60) groups. Sociodemographic Data Form, Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), Psychopaty Checklist-revised (PCL-R) and Buss-Warren Aggression Questionnarie (BWAQ) were administered to each patient. Results: The criminal group was older than noncriminal group. It was observed that criminals tend to be more likely to be hospitalized. Smoking and self-harm were more common in criminal group. All PCL-R subscores were higher in criminals than non-criminals, however, PANSS and BWAQ scores were similar in both groups. In criminal group, substance abuse and self-harm were more common in patients involved in multiple crimes. Similarly, all PCL-R subscores and BWAQ-physical aggression subscore were higher in patients involved in multiple crimes. All BWAQ subscores have been shown to correlate positively with PANSS and PCL-R scores in criminal group. Conclusion: In schizophrenia patients, psychopathy, smoking, substance abuse, self-harm were associated with criminal behaviors. Therefore, these factors needs to be recognized as a formal and essential aspect of clinical management.