A paucity of cognitive and affective features of empathy can be correlated with violent behavior. We aimed to identify differences in empathy among four groups in a sample of 100 male participants: (1) 27 violent offenders with schizophrenia, (2) 23 nonviolent patients with schizophrenia, (3) 25 patients with antisocial personality disorder, and (4) 25 subjects from the general population, who formed the control group. Schizophrenia symptoms were quantified with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Empathy was measured with the empathy quotient. Theory of mind was evaluated using (a) the first-order false-belief task, (b) the hinting task, (c) the faux pas recognition test and (d) the “reading the mind in the eyes” test (revised). Differences noted among the groups were age (controls were younger) and educational status (antisocials were less educated). The empathy quotient scoring (p < 0.001) and theory-of-mind tests (p < 0.001) were distinct between the control group and the three other groups of participants, but not among the three patient groups. Patients with antisocial personality disorder, violent psychotic offenders and psychotic nonviolent patients show no remarkable differences in affective or cognitive empathy tests, but they all present deficits in empathy and theory of mind when compared to controls.

The risk for general or criminal recidivism in forensic psychiatric patients has not been extensively investigated in the literature. The aim of this review is to evaluate criminal recidivism among forensic patients with mental disorders undergoing some type of outpatient treatment. In this review, we utilized PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library to search for studies published from January 1990 up to July 2024. Eligible studies should i) evaluate forensic patients with mental health conditions, ii) evaluate patients undergoing outpatient treatment, and iii) evaluate criminal recidivism (general, sexual, or violent) as a primary outcome. Recidivism was also compared between groups when reported. Overall, 12 clinical studies including 3271 patients were evaluated. Of these, 3048 patients undergoing outpatient treatment were analyzed. The mean age of all patients was 23.4 years (SD = 6.3), and 79.7 %. were male. The mean follow-up was 33.82 months. Overall, the pooled proportion for general recidivism was 39.1 % (95 % CI: 25 %-54.3 %), and for violent recidivism was 21.7 % (95 % CI: 2.6 %-52.3 %; data from four studies). In group comparisons (data from five studies), there was no difference between patients under treatment and the control groups as far as general recidivism (OR = 0.489; 95 % CI [0.202-1.183]; P = 0.112), and violent recidivism (OR = 0.283; 95 % CI [0.056-1.416]; P = 0.124) were concerned. The general and violent recidivism rates are high among forensic patients undergoing outpatient treatment for mental health disorders. There was no difference between outpatient treatment and control groups regarding their effect on recidivism. However, most of the studies reviewed did not provide information about drug treatment; more comparative studies focusing on pharmacotherapy are needed to verify any benefits of outpatient treatment.

Background: Prisoners are often associated with mental health and substance use disorders. Coercive measures are widely used in prison settings. The objective of this study was to compare inmates’ perceptions and satisfaction with telepsychiatry versus face-to-face consultation and the effects of telepsychiatry on the use of coercive measures. The sample consisted of 100 male inmates from various backgrounds who had experienced both approaches of services (face to face and telepsychiatry). Method: The data were obtained through an interview where the individuals completed a Demographic Data Questionnaire, a Participant Satisfaction Questionnaire to assess satisfaction with face-to-face psychiatric services, and a Participant Satisfaction Questionnaire to assess their satisfaction with services offered via telepsychiatry. Additionally, calculations of time spent waiting for a face-to-face psychiatric evaluation and time spent in handcuffs and in confined spaces were made before and after the introduction of telepsychiatry. Results: Statistically significant improvements (all p-values < 0.001) were noted in waiting times, support for relapse prevention, follow up, quality of mental health care, quality of care in the management of psychiatric problems and related medication, behavior of psychiatrists, duration of the assessment, sense of comfort, and confidentiality. Telepsychiatry led to the elimination of time spent in handcuffs and in confined spaces (transport vehicles). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, telepsychiatry is an acceptable method of service delivery in correctional facilities and was associated with a reduction of coercive practices.

Objective: Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an enzyme that shares similarities with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) but has been less studied due to its uncertain physiological role. Initially regarded as an ‘orphan enzyme,’ recent studies suggest that BChE plays a significant role in inflammation, primarily through its involvement in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. This enzyme, primarily produced by the liver, is found in several tissues and is known to hydrolyze acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that modulates immune responses. BChE levels are influenced by various diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, which are associated with inflammation. This study reviews the costs of inflammatory biomarkers worldwide and investigates the association between BChE and inflammation. Data from multiple countries reveal varying costs for biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and BChE, with BChE being a more cost-effective option in certain regions such as Greece and Armenia. Furthermore, BChE activity correlates inversely with the degree of systemic inflammation, and its levels may serve as a predictive marker for conditions such as surgical infections and anastomotic leaks. The findings underscore the potential of BChE as a useful and affordable biomarker for monitoring inflammation, particularly in settings where other biomarkers are more costly. However, further research is needed to validate its widespread clinical application.

Objective: Pain is a common and significant symptom in clinical practice, particularly among emergency and cancer patients. This article explores various pain scales and their clinical applications, alongside postoperative pain management in oncologic patients. A review of unidimensional pain scales, including the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), and Faces Pain Rating Scale (FPS), is presented. Additionally, the pathophysiology and pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for managing postoperative pain in cancer patients are discussed. Pain scales vary in sensitivity, ease of use, and clinical suitability. NRS is widely preferred for its simplicity and statistical applicability, whereas VAS offers higher sensitivity but practical limitations. Postoperative pain in oncologic patients is influenced by surgical trauma, psychological factors, and pre-existing pain conditions, with inadequate management leading to systemic complications and increased cancer recurrence risk. Effective management incorporates both non-opioid and opioid analgesics based on pain severity. Pain assessment tools and effective management strategies are critical for improving patient outcomes in clinical settings. Tailored approaches, particularly in oncologic postoperative care, can mitigate complications and enhance quality of life.

Background/Objectives: Incarcerated people experience high rates of trauma, psychological distress, and social marginalization. Yoga has been introduced in prisons as a trauma-sensitive mind–body practice, yet its rehabilitative contribution remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of yoga interventions delivered in correctional settings. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and a preregistered PROSPERO protocol, we searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus for peer-reviewed publications from May 2012 to November 2025. Eligible studies involved structured yoga interventions for incarcerated populations and reported psychological, behavioral, or institutional outcomes. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: Ten studies reported in twelve publications and involving 1815 incarcerated individuals met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included Hatha-based protocols, Krimyoga, trauma-informed approaches, and multicomponent programs. Across randomized, quasi-experimental, and pre–post designs, yoga was feasible and acceptable. Reported benefits included reduced psychological distress, negative affect, anger, and trauma-related symptoms, as well as improved mood, self-regulation, and mindfulness. Evidence specific to women and girls was limited, but the available trauma-informed and gender-responsive studies suggested potential reductions in post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, alongside increases in self-compassion. One large quasi-experimental cohort found lower reincarceration rates among yoga participants, although institutional outcomes were otherwise limited. Evidence was constrained by small samples, heterogeneous intervention formats, short follow-up, and variable outcome measures. Conclusions: Yoga appears to be a promising adjunct to rehabilitation in correctional settings. However, methodological limitations prevent firm conclusions. Larger, well-controlled studies with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up are needed to clarify effectiveness and support integration into correctional health and rehabilitation policy.