J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 35:2:229-234 (2007)
Copyright © 2007 by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.
The Treatment of Personality-Disordered Offenders in Germany
Robert L. Trestman, MD, PhD,
Sabine Eucker, Dipl Psych and
Rüdiger Müller-Isberner, Dr med
Dr. Trestman is Professor, Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT. Dr. Eucker is Chief Psychologist, Haina Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (Giessen Branch), Giessen, Germany. Dr. Müller-Isberner is Medical Director, Haina Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, Haina, Germany.
Address correspondence to: Robert L. Trestman, MD, PhD, Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington CT 06030-1410. E-mail: trestman{at}uchc.edu
Offenders with mental illness challenge forensic systems throughout the world. Those with personality disorders present additional challenges. In this article, the authors describe relevant German legislation and the consequent forensic treatment of personality-disordered offenders in the German psychiatric and correctional systems, with a focus on the German state of Hessen. The development of laws and regulations are addressed, as are the parallels and distinctions between forensic hospitals and correctional settings. Current treatment approaches and programs are described. Research initiatives and future directions for the system, and comparisons with the system in the United States conclude the article.
Copyright © 2007 by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.
