Structured group intervention for psychiatric patients with social conflicts: a consideration of psychiatric and legal labeling.
A structured programme was organized to address the high rate of legal conflicts among our in-patient population, the personal problems (e.g., denial) and practical problems (e.g. trying to find a job with a criminal record) which complicate their resolution. Active conflicts involved criminal mischief, breach of peace, fraud, burglary, larceny, assault, drug-related offenses, civil suits, etc. Common aspects of conflicts which were identified for discussion by members included authority issues, family reactions, employment, guilt, social rejection, etc. Well-described dynamics of deviant ("psychiatric") behaviour were seen applicable to legally-conflicted behaviour: blaming the victim; stereotyping; issues of accepting and escaping a label. Observation of interpersonal relationships in groups have potential application to forensic situations.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003417:Criminal Psychology; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012940:Social Problems; D009626:Terminology as Topic