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Psychiatry7 papers

Abfraction

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Abfraction refers to patients leaving unauthorized from psychiatric services, a phenomenon with limited knowledge in forensic psychiatric settings 1. Rates of absconsion and re-absconsion can be significant, with higher rates observed in less secure units 1.

Diagnosis

No diagnostic criteria or grading systems for abfraction were identified in the provided abstracts.

Management

No specific management strategies for abfraction were identified in the provided abstracts.

Special Populations

No information regarding special populations and abfraction was identified in the provided abstracts.

Key Recommendations

  • Previous absconsion, aggression, substance use, high Historical Clinical Risk Management-20 score, antisociality, psychiatric symptoms, sexual offending, and poor treatment adherence have been reported as factors with a degree of predictive value for absconsion 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
  • The construct of absconsion is heterogeneous across studies, and the quality of evidence on its predictors is limited 1. (Evidence: Weak)
  • References

    1 Olagunju AT, Bouskill SL, Olagunju TO, Prat SS, Mamak M, Chaimowitz GA. Absconsion in forensic psychiatric services: a systematic review of literature. CNS spectrums 2022. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Absconsion in forensic psychiatric services: a systematic review of literature.Olagunju AT, Bouskill SL, Olagunju TO, Prat SS, Mamak M, Chaimowitz GA CNS spectrums (2022)

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