Childhood Trauma and Clinical Outcomes in a Low Secure Male Forensic Population

Previous literature increasingly recognizes the prevalence of childhood trauma (CT) history in forensic settings. Patients in forensic settings are likely to engage in self-harm, violence, and encounter multiple hospital admissions. We aimed to investigate CT history in a low secure forensic population and examine associations between specific types of CTs and three clinical outcomes: self-harm, in-hospital violence, and number of hospital admissions. A retrospective case file review was employed. A data capture sheet was developed using items from two Childhood Trauma Questionnaires. Data was collected from case files of male patients within a low secure forensic setting (n = 93). CTs were documented if they occurred before the age of 18 years old. Associations were examined between CT and the clinical outcomes using a series of logistic regression analyses. Eighty-five percent of patients had experienced CT and 60.3% had been exposed to two or more types of CT. There were no significant associations between CT and the clinical outcomes. Findings expose the high prevalence of CT experienced by patients in a low secure hospital. Additionally, high rates of CT with low rates of PTSD also suggest potential diagnostic overshadowing. Findings are discussed with reference to trauma-informed care treatment approaches in forensic settings.