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Characteristic illness behaviour in assault patients: DATES syndrome
J P Shepherd1, J D Peak, S Haria
1Department of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Adult assault victims experience more hospital visits for trauma, surgery, and drug abuse compared to accident victims. This suggests a distinct syndrome in young adults, potentially linked to antisocial personality traits.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
- Criminology
Background:
- Violent crime is a public health concern with neglected victim needs.
- Assault victims report higher psychological distress than accident victims.
- Understanding victim health experiences is crucial for justice system reform.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the illness experiences of adult assault victims with accident victims.
- To identify pre-injury health patterns in assault survivors.
- To explore potential links between pre-injury disorders and antisocial personality.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- 433 adult assault victims were compared with matched accident victims.
- Hospital contact records from the 10 years prior to injury were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Assault victims showed significantly more prior hospital contacts for trauma, elective surgery, and drug abuse.
- No significant excess of contacts for other psychiatric or medical conditions was found.
- A distinct pattern of pre-injury disorders was identified in the assault group.
Conclusions:
- A previously unrecognized syndrome in young adults is suggested by the findings.
- This syndrome may represent manifestations of antisocial personality.
- The criminal justice system must better address the health needs of violent crime victims.