Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Professor Donald Grubin
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
Tattoos of all kinds have been found to be associated with marginal groups, antisocial behaviours and mental health problems. Little is known, however, about the subgroup with prominent tattoos on areas of the body, such as the face, which are clearly visible to others. This paper investigates associations between visible tattoos and mental disorder, substance misuse and criminality in a large group of adult male prisoners. Childhood adversity, drug and alcohol misuse, self-harm, violent behaviour and previous imprisonment were all found to be significantly associated with the presence of visible tattoos in this population. Whilst prior contact with psychiatric services was also significantly more common, no relationship existed between visible tattoos and lifetime DSM-IV mental disorder per se. Personality disorder was not found to be more prevalent in the visibly tattooed group, but a statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between visible tattoos and schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders. Therefore, we recommend caution when screening such individuals for mental disorder. At first glance the history may suggest personality disorder, but further enquiry should be undertaken to look for signs and symptoms indicating a functional psychotic disorder.
Author(s): Birmingham L, Mason D, Grubin D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Forensic Psychiatry
Year: 1999
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Pages: 687-695
Print publication date: 01/12/1999
ISSN (print): 0958-5184
ISSN (electronic): 1469-9478
Publisher: American College of Forensic Psychiatry
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09585189908402168
DOI: 10.1080/09585189908402168
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
