Psychological aspects of dissimulation in persons undergoing involuntary treatment after the commission of a socially dangerous act

Abstract

Psychological aspects of dissimulation in patients undergoing involuntary treatment are reviewed. The phenomenon of dissimulation is widespread in this patient group, however, it has not yet been the subject of focused research neither by psychologists, nor by psychiatrists. The study conducted by the authors demonstrates the current relevance of the problem revealing the priority of psychological factors in shaping dissimulative tendencies once acute symptoms have abated due to medical treatment. Different variants of dissimulation are shown depending on the stage of involuntary treatment, as well as nosological specificity and dynamics manifested in the pathopsychological examination of this patient contingent. Significant aspects of subjective pattern of disease are considered, its impact on the strategy of self-presentation and the formation of dissimulative attitudes. The outcomes of the study are important for an adequate definition of methods and length of involuntary treatment, evaluation of its efficacy, patient preparedness for hospital discharge, as well as prognosis of risks of mental illness exacerbation and repetition of socially dangerous acts.