Original Research J Clin Psychiatry March 2026

Correlates and Predictors of Criminal Legal Involvement in People With First-Episode Psychosis

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in J Clin Psychiatry. Clinical Summary Criminal legal involvement is common early in first-episode psychosis and can derail treatment at the point when rapid engagement matters most. This study identifies who is most likely to have criminal legal involvement before and after entering care, highlighting practical targets for prevention such as substance use, untreated psychosis, and persistent excitement symptoms. FAQ How common is criminal legal involvement before people with first-episode psychosis start treatment? 9 questions
Key Takeaways Recent criminal legal involvement at entry was a strong marker for early treatment disruption: 13 of 39 participants (33%) with CLI at baseline had later CLI versus 39 of 335 participants (12%) without baseline CLI, and dropout due to incarceration was 18% versus 2%. 6 takeaways Clinical Guide How should clinicians identify adults with first-episode psychosis who are at higher risk for criminal legal involvement at treatment entry and during early follow-up? 6 steps Clinical Guide How should clinicians manage adults with first-episode psychosis who have recent criminal legal involvement when they begin treatment? 6 steps
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