Which country handles mentally ill offenders better? a Head-to-Head study

NCT ID NCT06854133

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Bari Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study follows 600 mentally ill offenders in Italy and California over three years to compare two very different treatment systems. Italy uses community-based care, while California relies on long-term hospital stays. Researchers will track violence, recovery, and functioning to see which model leads to better outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal which aspects of forensic mental health care (community-based vs. hospital-based) work best, guiding improvements in treatment and reducing repeat offenses.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a controlled experiment, so differences in outcomes may be due to factors other than the treatment model. Results may not apply to other regions or populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

psychotic disorder Psychotic Disorders Recidivism

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COMMUNITY-BASED FORENSIC TREATMENT FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL (IST) NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY (NGRI) PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS SECURITY MEASURES (CUSTODIAL AND NON-CUSTODIAL VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR AND RECIDIVISM

Contacts and locations

Locations

Dipartimento Interdisciplinare Di Medicina, Psichiatria Forense E Criminologia

Bari, Ba, 70121, Italy

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