A register-based comparison study of Swedish patients in forensic psychiatric care 2010 and 2018.

Abstract Purpose This study compared the characteristics of a population of Swedish patients in forensic psychiatric care in the year 2010 and 2018, with the goal of identifying similarities and differences in sociodemographic and clinical outcomes during the study period. Findings Significant changes in patient characteristics and treatment aspects were found, although similarities between the years were more common. Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders were the most predominant primary diagnoses characterizing forensic psychiatric patients. From 2010 to 2018 there was also a development in care conditions supporting a shift from inpatient to outpatient care and from first-generation antipsychotic/neuroleptic to second-generation antipsychotics/atypical antipsychotics. More liberty restrictive such as physical restraints and forcible medication diminished while less restrictive coercive measures increased. There was also a decrease in the length of stay in forensic psychiatric care among those treated 2018 compared to those treated 2010, something that emerged as particularly discernible among male patients. Conclusion In conclusion, the results from this study illustrate the similarities among a Swedish forensic psychiatric population between the years of 2010 and 2018, while also reflecting some changes in patient characteristics and clinical practice during the study period.