Inga Markiewicz

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the type and intensity of aggressive behavior of patients with schizophrenia and dual diagnosis, as well as to describe their mental state, selected personality traits and sociodemographic variables.

Material and methods: 81 patients with mental disorders were included in the study. A comparative analysis was carried out in 3 groups of patients: (group 1) with schizophrenia and addiction, who had committed a prohibited act, undergoing therapy in isolation as a protective measure (n = 27), and (group 2) a group of people with a dual diagnosis (n = 27) and (group 3) a group of patients only with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (n = 27). The following tools were used: 1) PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) – to assess psychopathological symptoms; 2) BPAQ (Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire) – to measure the intensity and indicators of aggression; 3) EPQ-R questionnaire – to assess personality variables; 4) IVE scale – to assess impulsivity, risk-taking and empathy; 5) Author’s sociodemographic survey.

Main results: The obtained results indicate that forensic patients with dual are characterized by a greater intensity of general psychopathology, a predominance of positive symptoms and a greater intensity of negative symptoms than general psychiatric patients. Both groups with dual diagnosis reveal a higher level of general aggression and a greater tendency to physical aggression compared to patients diagnosed with schizophrenia only. Forensic patients demonstrate greater anger than the group of patients with schizophrenia only.

Practical implications for forensic science: Analysis of the type and intensity of aggressive behavior, as well as personality, sociodemographic and clinical variables may have prognostic significance in estimating the risk of recidivism of forensic patients. It can also provide tips for the correct selection of therapy dedicated to a specific patient in order to correct his or her behavior. Knowing of the nature of patients’ aggressive behavior can also facilitate the development of special preventive and protective programs for both staff and families of aggressive patients.