Psychiatrists on forensic psychiatry after the law 81/2014 in Italy: findings from a national pilot survey

Abstract

After the approval of the law 81/2014, a new care-framework has been outlined for the psychiatric offenders in Italy and alternative facilities have been gradually activated. This pilot national survey was conducted in order to explore the attitudes of a panel composed by Italian psychiatrists, engaged in forensic vs. not-engaged in forensic activities, on the changes related to the application of the law. We employed an ad-hoc questionnaire named SOPF: Superamento degli O.P.G. sulla Metodologia Peritale Psichiatrico Forense (in english: The Psychiatric Forensic Assessment after the Closing of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospitals) to explore the opinions regarding ten relevant issues in the field of forensic psychiatry and forensic assessment. Findings suggested that the lack of specific resources for the management of psychiatric offenders in the Departments of Mental Health in Italy may lead to clinical risks for patients and health professionals. In particular the task of treating offenders in the community may be even more challenging for those patients whose social dangerousness has been revaluated and their security measures expired.