LIFE EVENTS AND PSYCHOPATHY - INFLUENCE OF SUDDEN WARD ENVIRONMENTAL-CHANGE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING IN PSYCHOPATHICALLY DISORDERED SPECIAL HOSPITAL PATIENTS

Life events have been shown to be associated with exacerbation of ment al disorders. This paper examines the effect on psychosocial functioni ng of a ward transposition, on patients detained in Special Hospital u nder the legal classification of psychopathic disorder. Following the ward's being informed of the move there was no increase in symptomatol ogy but in the month surrounding transfer there was a statistically si gnificant increase in the psychological, but not physical, symptomatol ogy. This has implications for the transfer of psychopathically disord ered patients from Special Hospital to medium security.