Change of clinical and social characteristics of mental patients who have committed dangerous acts

The article concerns the problem of prevention of risky behaviour of persons suffering from mental disorders. It presents data on the sociodemographic, clinical, and criminological characteristics of mental patients who have committed socially dangerous acts. The deterioration of their social adaptation is identified for 25-year period, which is characterized by high prevalence of comorbid severe mental disorders, drug abuse and dependence on psychoactive substances, which significantly increases the risk of societal danger. Significant change in the characteristics of clinical and psychopathological factors important in the genesis of dangerous behaviour of mentally ill was identified. The results provide important information on predictors of formation of dangerous behaviour of mentally ill and may enhance the effectiveness of psychiatric institutions for its prevention.