Objectives: Although the characteristics of different aggression subtypes provide important information in establishing treatment and prevention strategies in schizophrenia patients, limited information is available about the characteristics of the aggressive subtype in schizophrenia patients in South Korea. The present study was designed to compare the demographic and psychological characteristics across the impulsive and premeditated aggression subtypes in schizophrenia patients in South Korea who had committed a crime. Methods: We enrolled 116 schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients who were admitted to the National Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. Using the criminal and interview records, the study subjects were divided into 83 impulsive and 33 premeditated aggression groups. The subjects’ demographic and psychological characteristics were summarized and compared across aggression subtypes. Results: Compared to the premeditated aggression group, the impulsive aggression group had a higher intelligent quotient and a lower rate of physical and sexual abuse experience. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the characteristics of aggression subtypes in schizophrenia patients in South Korea who had committed a crime. Our results suggest that different treatment and prevention strategies should be considered for each aggression subtype.

Objectives: Although the characteristics of different aggression subtypes provide important information in establishing treatment and prevention strategies in schizophrenia patients, limited information is available about the characteristics of the aggressive subtype in schizophrenia patients in South Korea. The present study was designed to compare the demographic and psychological characteristics across the impulsive and premeditated aggression subtypes in schizophrenia patients in South Korea who had committed a crime. Methods: We enrolled 116 schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients who were admitted to the National Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. Using the criminal and interview records, the study subjects were divided into 83 impulsive and 33 premeditated aggression groups. The subjects’ demographic and psychological characteristics were summarized and compared across aggression subtypes. Results: Compared to the premeditated aggression group, the impulsive aggression group had a higher intelligent quotient and a lower rate of physical and sexual abuse experience. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the characteristics of aggression subtypes in schizophrenia patients in South Korea who had committed a crime. Our results suggest that different treatment and prevention strategies should be considered for each aggression subtype.