The study examines 1281 criminals who underwent forensic psychiatric examinations in Stockholm in 1981-90. A very high proportion of criminals had an immigrant background (44% The immigrants, particularly those with a non-European origin, were assessed differently by the forensic psychiatrists even though they had a very similar picture to the Swedish citizens with regard to psychiatric diagnosis. Fewer immigrants were assessed as "in need of psychiatric treatment" and were therefore more often sent to prison. Possible explanations of these differences are discussed. © 1993 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.

Forensic psychiatry immigrants Criminals

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