Requirements for forensic psychiatric treatment. If the crime is the consequence of a major mental disorder, a prison sentence is forbidden. If the person still suffers from a major mental disorder at the time of trial, the sentence will be forensic psychiatric treatment.

New law July 2008 Should the normal sanction be a prison sentence of four years or more, a prison sentence is possible even if the disorder is absent at the time of trial.

Two legal frameworks. There are two kinds of forensic psychiatric treatment, with or without special discharge trial. 1. The court decides when a patient can be discharged. 2. The psychiatrist can discharge the patient himself.

Continous surveillance by the court. Every sixth month, the psychiatrist must apply at the county administrative court for a continuation of the treatment.

Treatment goals. Better health and quality of life. Help the patient to understand and control his disease. Reduce the risk of relapse into crime.

Statistics yearly prison sentences 350 sentences to forensic psychiatric treatment. Prison population pre-trial detainees 1450 receive forensic psychiatric treatment.

Treatment facilities Forensic psychiatric treatment can be given at any hospital where the necessary level of security can be guaranteed. The chief psychiatrist of the area where the patient lives decides where the treatment shall take place.

Sundsvall Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. 101 beds. 50 patients on leave. Treatment cost per day 475 €

Staff 6 Psychiatrists 5 Psychologists 1 Drug therapist 9 Administrative staff 1 Security officer

Staff cont. 50 Nurses 110 Assistant nurses. 7 Teachers 3 Researchers Staff-patient ratio: 202/101 = 2,00

Most pressing issue. Compulsory treatment outside the hospital is possible: If hospital treatment is no longer necessary. If the patient is still in need of support. If a rehabilitation plan is made up together with the social psychiatry in the patients hometown.

Most controversial issue Many influent politicians argue, that a sentence to forensic psychiatric treatment shall no longer be possible. Regardless of psychiatric status, the convict shall go to prison for a fixed time. There may be an exception for the most extremely psychotic cases.