title: Significance of tattoos in male psychiatric patients.
abstract: The study investigated the social background and current social stability of 45 tattooed males. Tattooed subjects compared to non-tattooed controls were more likely to report leaving home and school early, to report spending a period in a boys' institution and in prison, and showed greater current instability with regard to accommodation and employment. Tattoos were significantly associated with a current diagnosis of personality disorder and alcoholism and past treatment for drug abuse and parasuicide.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013561:Symbolism; D013653:Tattooing / Q000523:psychology*