Patients are changing – The ripple effects of changing the law and creating new forensic beds in Belgium

Abstract

Clinical impressions suggest that forensic patients in Belgium have more complex needs regarding care and risk in recent years than before. In this article, we analyzed psychometric data regarding patients' symptoms, risk estimates, antisocial personality traits, and functional capabilities over a 10-year span in a medium-security unit for rehabilitation of forensic patients. Data from a total of 129 patients with a main diagnosis of psychosis were analyzed. Results confirmed that patients had higher risk assessment estimates, more psychopathic/antisocial personality traits, and lower cognitive and functional capabilities. The average psychotic symptom levels and protective factors did not statistically change over the ten-year period. The changes are thought to be due to a new forensic law and the creation of new high- and medium-risk beds.