Gender differences in forensic psychiatry: A casest udy in PC Sint-Jan-Baptist in Zelzate (Flanders)
Research on gender differences in forensic psychiatric patients under internment in Flanders (Belgium) is limited. Existing studies primarily focus on the general male forensic psychiatric population, often neglecting gender-specific distinctions. This raises concerns about applying theoretical knowledge derived from male offenders to female ones. Hence, understanding gender-specific differences is crucial. This study aimed to identify characteristics that differentiate female from male forensic psychiatric patients. A retrospective record-base analysis of 92 female patients at a medium-security facility in Sint-Jan-Baptist, Zelzate (Belgium) from 2006 to 2022, was conducted. Each female patient was matched with a male counterpart based on birth and year of admission. Gender-specific distinctions were observed, such as a higher prevalence of victimization history and borderline personality disorder in women, and a higher incidence of antisocial personality disorder and prior convictions leading to internment in men. Recommendations for clinical practice, policy and future research based on these findings are discussed.