The use of aliases by psychiatric patients

David J. Meagher, A. G. Collins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics associated with the use of aliases within a population attending a psychiatric unit over a 12-year period. The use of aliases was uncommonly recognised (0.7%). Alias users tended to be young. Many were non-nationals (43%). Identification usually occurred early in the admission and was often by self-admission (37%). A broad range of underlying diagnoses were noted with schizophrenia (31 %) and factitious disorder (22%) most common. A previous psychiatric (85%) or forensic history (30%) was frequently noted. Recurrence was noted in one third of cases and was significantly associated with a diagnosis of factitious disorder.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)324-327
Number of pages4
JournalPsychopathology
Volume30
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1997
Externally publishedYes

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