[Patients with psychotic symptoms in treatment detention under Section 64 of the German Criminal Code (StGB)].

OBJECTIVE

Differences between patients with and without previous psychotic symptoms (PPS) in forensic addiction treatment under Section 64 StGB regarding clinical, functional, cognitive, and substance-related characteristics, as well as changes in their proportion between 2021 and 2025, were examined.

METHODS

Data from 292 patients (259 without PPS, 33 with PPS) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with PPS increased significantly (OR=1.65; p<0.001). They showed lower functioning (35.24 vs. 44.37; p<0.001) and fewer months of imprisonment (29.8 vs. 49.4; p=0.003). Groups also differed in substance use disorders and criminal responsibility, but not in cognitive performance or social competence.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that patients with PPS show specific functional impairments that result in particular diagnostic and therapeutic requirements within forensic addiction treatment under Section 64 StGB.