Differences between Migrant and Italian National Patients in an Italian Forensic Unit: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

With the increase in migrants entering Italy and being admitted to forensic inpatient facilities in recent years, it is important to identify differences in this population that could inform improve-ments in assessment and treatment. This descriptive study attempted to identify clinical, criminological, and legal characteristics of a migrant forensic inpatient population (males, n= 134, females, n=50) as well as differences in these parameters in comparison with Italian national in-patients. Among other findings, the male migrant inpatients were diagnosed with psychotic disorders more frequently and personality disorders less frequently in comparison with the Italian inpatients. Differences also emerged regarding the method of discharge of the two groups. It is opinion of the authors that the analysis of such data can provide useful indications regarding the methods of assessment and treatment of foreign patients with the aim of ensuring a course of care of sufficient quality for this special patient population.