The diagnosis of schizophrenia in the borderline learning-disabled forensic population: six case-reports

Population surveys indicate an increased prevalence of schizophrenia in the learning-disabled population. Extensive assessment and observation may be necessary to detect schizophrenia which may be undiagnosed and directly rel ated to offending behaviour. Six male patients admitted to an open forensic psychiatric unit for people with mild and borderline learning disability a re presented: in these men schizophrenia was previously unrecognized. Treat ment led to a marked clinical improvement. There is a need to be particular ly aware of the possibility of schizophrenia in this population.