Mentally ill sex offenders in a regional secure unit. I: psychopathology and motivation

This descriptive study of 20 mentally ill sex offenders (MISOs) admitted to a regional secure unit over a 12-year period demonstrates a high prevalence of family psychopathology, past criminality including violent offences, and substance abuse. Data on the background and offending behaviour of the MISO raises questions about the aetiological role of mental illness in the sex offences committed by him or her. There is support for a relationship, both indirect and direct, between the sexual offending and psychosis. This has implications for prevention, assessment and treatment.