A comparison study of adults with intellectual disability and psychiatric disorder with and without forensic involvement

The current study describes and compares profiles of patients in the same specialized hospital program for patients with intellectual disability with and without forensic involvement. A retrospective chart review of 78 individuals (39 forensic and 39 non-forensic) served between 2006 and 2008 was completed. The forensic sample was more likely to have a diagnosis of borderline to mild IQ and psychotic disorder was more common. Forensic patients were also more likely to have previously used drugs or alcohol. Forensic inpatients had significantly longer lengths of stay, and were more likely to change residence from admission to discharge than the non-forensic inpatients but the GAF scores did not differ between the two groups at admission or discharge. Although there are many similarities between the two groups, there are also some important differences that exist which should be considered in the design of inpatient and outpatient mental health and intellectual disability services.