A comparison of male admissions to a special hospital 1970-71 and 1987-88.

Characteristics of 109 male patients admitted over a two-year period to a Special Hospital are described and discussed. Comparison is made with the results from a previous study conducted in another Special Hospital (Broadmoor) some fifteen years ago. Admissions still originate mainly from the courts, the penal system, and the NHS. However, the pattern of admissions has changed, influenced in part by the advent of the Regional Secure Unit programme, and the 1983 revision of the Mental Health Act. Very few admissions were diagnosed as suffering from a primary affective disorder. Patients suffering from psychopathic disorder had committed few crimes of murder and manslaughter. Possible reasons for these and other findings are discussed. It is concluded that the Special Hospitals continue to play a distinct and essential role.