David Baskin

Mental illness in minority women

Explored whether psychiatric diagnostic differences exist between male and female, black, white and Hispanic-American patients seen in the Department of Psychiatry/Community Mental Health Center of a major hospital in the South Bronx, New York. Admission data on almost 2,000 patients furnished demographic and diagnostic characteristics of the patients. Sex and ethnic differences were found. Suggestions are offered as to why various subpopulations are perceived differently.

Incestuous experiences within homosexual populations: A preliminary study

The incidence, frequency rates, and effects of both homosexual and heterosexual incestuous experiences within lesbian and male homosexual populations are examined. Twenty-nine female homosexuals and 54 male homosexuals from diverse demographic backgrounds were administered a 16-page anonymous questionnaire designed to capture a wide range of demographic, personality, life history, and attitudinal information. Differences in family characteristics that exist between individuals who have experienced nuclear family incest, extended family incest, and those who have never experienced incest are investigated. Differences that exist between the two populations, incest and nonincest, were also studied.

A Study of Criminal Defendants Referred for Multiple Psychiatric Examinations regarding Their Competency to Stand Trial

One of the mainstays of forensic psychiatry has been the determination of a defendants competency to stand trial. Competency to stand trial is based on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that a defendant must have sufficient ability to understand court proceedings. Regardless of whether or not the defendant was mentally ill at the time a crime was committed or when the charged, the court can try someone only if that person has the capacity to understand proceedings in order to defend himself. When there is any question as to the competency of the defendant, he is referred for psychiatric evaluation of competency. Very little research has been undertaken in the past to examine this clinically interesting group of subjects. A study was conducted to explore the characteristics of 137 defendants who had been charged and referred for evaluation at least twice to the Court Clinic of the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center Department of Psychiatry. It was expected that these would reflect the consequence of deinstitutionalization in New York State. Data were collected for each evaluation with regard to demographic characteristics, criminal history, and psychiatric history. Results are presented and discussed in light of the issue of deinstitutionalization. Note is made of the fact that only very small percentage of these patients have received outpatient psychiatric care. Suggestions for future research are offered.

A Treatment Outcome Study of Alcohol Halfway House Residents in the South Bronx

A sample of 31 residents in an alcohol halfway house were evaluated upon admission and after a duration of time. An assessment of alcohol use, personality, and behavioral characteristics was conducted both initially and at the time of follow-up. The subjects were also compared based on the degree of successful outcome in the program. Differences between three outcome groups were found, indicating that the poor outcome group was younger, had a multiple-drug history, included more subjects who tended to drink with others, and had a greater number of blackouts while drinking. Suggestions for future research and a discussion of methodological difficulties are offered.

MULTIPLE PSYCHIATRIC COMPETENCY EXAMINATIONS IN BOROUGH OF THE BRONX

The sample of 137 people had been referred for multiple psychiatric competency examinations over an 11-yr. period. The study examined the relationships between the decision on competency and many demographic, psychiatric, and criminal history variables. On many variables there were no significant differences between those found competent and those found incompetent but those subjects deemed incompetent were more likely to be diagnosed as schizophrenic or psychotic. Suggestions for future research are offered.

Time analysis of patients seen for multiple psychiatric evaluations of competency.

Changes over time for a total of 137 individuals who were referred for multiple psychiatric examinations for competency were analyzed, using data on the evaluation of competency, psychiatric diagnoses, and criminal charges. Despite the fact that most of the subjects were repeatedly diagnosed as mentally ill, most of them were found competent. The only diagnoses which seemed to repeatedly be made were schizophrenia and mental retardation. The recurrence of certain serious criminal charges against the same defendants was reported and discussed. Suggestions for future research were made.