Clinical profile of Remand Prisoners in a Forensic Psychiatry unit of a Tertiary Care Centre

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders are found to be prevalent in persons, who come in conflict with the law. Crime can be due to psychiatric illness. Many studies have found that there is a relationship between crime and mental illness. Analyzing the victim details and finding the most vulnerable group for such crimes in the society might help us to create awareness. AIM: To assess the clinical profile & the physical comorbidities of remand prisoners admitted in a forensic psychiatry unit of tertiary care Centre METHODOLOGY: Retrospective chart review -descriptive cross-sectional study, done in Institute of Mental health, Chennai. Convenience sampling of Remand prisoners about 18 to 80 years, admitted in forensic psychiatry unit between January 2021 to October 2021. RESULTS: 45.1% of study population is between 21 – 30 years and 96.1% were males.24.5% have comorbidity and seizure(39%) is the most common . 51% were found to be having - Schizophrenia 54.9% prior psychiatric consultation before crime. Non-family members (56.9%) are the most common victims in homicidal crimes and sharp weapons were commonly used CONCLUSION: Analysing the clinical profile, crime, weapon used and victim would help to create awareness and formulate strategies which will helps to reduce crime.