Return to Special: An Examination of the Characteristics of Patients Who Returned to Ashworth Special Hospital

Sixteen patients were returned to Ashworth in a one-year period (five second admissions, 10 failed leave of absence and one warrant of recall) making up 31% of admissions for the year. Demographic details and reasons for return were collected. Fifty per cent of patients had a clinical diagnosis of personality disorder. Reasons for return included relapse of psychosis, persistent transgression of boundaries, aggression or threatened aggression, unsuitable placements and failure to progress towards discharge.