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Behavioural characteristics of offenders with mental health disorders in a South African prison population

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 24 , issue 5 , 2014 , pages: 445–448

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2014.997015

Author(s): Johan Prinsloo Department of Criminology & Security Science, South Africa , Anni Hesselink Department of Criminology & Security Science, South Africa

Keywords: bipolar mood disorder , correctional centres , crime risk , major depressive disorder , mental health , psychotic disorder , schizophrenia

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Abstract

This exploratory study profiled behavioural characteristics of a non-random sample of 91 offenders with mental illness in a South African correctional facility. The sample is directly related to diagnosed cases from the correctional psychiatrist's case load. The most prevalent mental disorders diagnosed amongst the research participants of this sample specific profile were schizophrenia (33%), major depressive (27.5%), bipolar mood (12.1%) and psychotic disorders (11%).

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