Abstract: Objective To explore criminal characteristics of patients with affective disorder. Methods Analysis was conducted in 72 cases of affective disorder diagnosed in Ankang Hospital,Public Security Bureau of Hangzhou,from 2000 to 2004. Results There was a correlation between outbreak of the affective disordered and frequency of committing crime. There was a significant difference between the mania and the depression(P<0.01) with respect to harmful behavior. The criminal behavior characteristics of patients with affective disorder were different from that of the schizophrenia,with more realistic and less pathologic intention. Conclusion Recurrent attacks are warning signs for affective disorder patients committing crime. The criminal behavior characteristics of the affective disorder are different from that of the schizophrenia,probably because of the differences in etiological factor,development,symptom,and severity of the disorders.

Key words: forensic psychiatry, affective disorders, psychotic, expert testimony, criminal characteristic