[Specific outpatient treatment for forensic patients after release].

OBJECTIVE

Efficacy of outpatient aftercare for forensic patients was investigated. Furthermore, concrete aspects of treatment in forensic outpatient clinics were described.

METHODS

A population of n=105 "high-risk-offenders" suffering from psychiatric disorders treated in special outpatient aftercare facilities after release from inpatient treatment was followed using several documentation methods and by analyzing patients' criminal records.

RESULTS

The population showed a very low criminal recidivism rate (2.0%, average time at risk: 3 years and 8 months). No case of heavy delinquency (violent or sexual offenses) was registered. Patients showed good psychopathological stability over the treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS

Specialized aftercare of released forensic patients provides a considerable increase in public security. Patients are protected from psychopathological decompensation by professional supervision after release. Finally, costs in the field of forensic psychiatry can very likely be reduced through outpatient treatment.