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Mortality in maximum security psychiatric hospital patients
M D Pérez-Cárceles1, C Iñigo, A Luna
1Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Murcia, E-30100, Murcia, Spain. mdperez@um.es
Forensic Science International
|June 8, 2001
Summary
Suicide is the leading cause of violent death in prison psychiatric hospitals. This study analyzed violent deaths in Alicante Psychiatric Prison, finding most were suicides, particularly among younger inmates with schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- Prison psychiatric hospitals experience high rates of violent deaths.
- Suicide is the predominant cause of unnatural death in these settings.
- Understanding the circumstances surrounding these deaths is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the circumstances associated with violent deaths in a high-security psychiatric prison.
- To identify demographic, clinical, and interpersonal factors contributing to deaths.
- To compare prison death rates with the general population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of postmortem reports from Alicante Psychiatric Prison (1984-1997).
- Inclusion of 36 unnatural deaths and 28 natural deaths.
- Detailed examination of suicide methods, locations, and timing.
Main Results:
- Suicide accounted for 94.4% of violent deaths (34 cases).
- 64.7% of suicides were individuals with schizophrenia; 32.4% had prior self-harm history.
- A significant association was found between age and cause of death, with most suicides in the 18-45 age group.
Conclusions:
- Prison psychiatric populations exhibit severe negative traits, including mental illness and criminal behavior.
- Younger inmates, particularly those with schizophrenia, are at higher risk of suicide.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted suicide prevention strategies within correctional mental health facilities.