Criminal liability and Bipolar Disorder in Spain: A systematic analysis of 182 judicial sentences (2019-2024).
Int J Law PsychiatryJun 15, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPsychiatry
Covadonga Canga-Espina, Pablo Roque Leonardo Caserta, Fernando Collado Rueda et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review analyzed 182 judicial sentences involving defendants with Bipolar Disorder (BD) in Spain from 2019 to 2024. The study found that 61.54% of defendants were not receiving pharmacological treatment at the time of their offense, highlighting a significant gap in care that correlates with criminal involvement.
Key findings
- 81.87% of the defendants were male, with 76.92% experiencing social isolation.
- 69.23% had a prior diagnosis of BD, yet 61.54% were not on pharmacological treatment.
- BD was a full exonerating factor in only 3.3% of cases.
Why it matters
Understanding the intersection of mental health and criminal liability is crucial for clinicians, as it underscores the importance of treatment adherence and social support in managing Bipolar Disorder and preventing criminal behavior.