Gender differences in a sample of Romanian forensic psychiatric inpatients

Abstract

Objectives. To gain insight into the characteristics of female forensic psychiatric patients in Romania and to identify the potential differences between female and male forensic inpatients. Material and method. Data on all patients admitted according to art. 110 of the Romanian Penal code to Sapoca Psychiatry and Safety Measures Hospital between 2008 and 2018 were collected from hospital records (electronic records, clinical files, social assessment forms and legal files). The final sample comprised 650 individuals: 84% were men and 16% were women. Results and discussion. There were few socio-demographic differences. Both men and women had a psychiatric history, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders were the most frequent main diagnosis in both groups. Women were more likely to have committed arson, homicide and attempted homicide and to be hospitalized for a shorter period of time. Conclusions. Consistent with previous studies, we concluded that men and women admitted to forensic psychiatric hospitals differ in a number of ways. Our study highlights the need to continue and expand the research into the Romanian forensic psychiatric inpatient population.