Significance of tattoos in male psychiatric patients

The study investigated the social background and current social stability of 45 tattooed males. Tattooed subjects compared to non-tattooed controls were more likely to report leaving home and school early, to report spending a period in a boys' institution and in prison, and showed greater current instability with regard to accommodation and employment. Tattoos were significantly associated with a current diagnosis of personality disorder and alcoholism and past treatment for drug abuse and parasuicide.