Are clinical severity and real-world functioning associated to committing crimes in people with severe mental illness? Results from a cross-sectional study on three cohorts of forensic and non-forensic patients

Introduction In Italy, subjects with severe mental illness (SMI) considered “in danger of posing a threat to others” are hospitalized into structures known as “ REMS–Residenze per l’Esecuzione delle Misure di Sicurezza ”, designed provide rehabilitating programs. There also specialized forensic teams support Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) in helping patients who committed crimes. A better characterization clinical and real-world functioning represents topic interest (Caruso R et al . Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 7 29; Barlati Eur Arch Clin Neurosci 2022, press ; Fazel Br J Psychiatry. 213 609-614). Objectives Aims were compare psychosocial characteristics three cohorts SMI patients. Methods total 29 REMS facilities included this study; starting from first group an equal number individuals matched for sex, age, diagnosis other two groups outpatients cared by the team non-forensic treated CMHC. Clinical severity was measured through Global Impression scale – Severity (CGI-S) Personal Social Performance (PSP). Analyses Chi-Square test categorical variables Kruskall-Wallis continuous Mann-Withney U post/hoc comparisons. P values < 0.05 significant. Results Significant between-groups differences emerged regarding (p=0.013): that more compromised (mean:34.0) when compared (mean:41.3) CMHC (mean:47.7). concerning point opposite direction: symptoms observed (mean:4.7) (mean: 4.3) (mean:3.5). The difference CGI-S mean scores is significant (p=0.011) (p<0.001). Conclusions Specialized central managing patients: particular data severity, which could be read de-stigmatizing focus, highlighting worse not associated being dangerous people society general. Disclosure Interest None Declared