Date Submitted
5-2025
Faculty Advisor
Esperanza M. Anaya
Abstract
In the United States, waitlists for competency restoration treatment have become extensive and problematic. Many individuals wait up to one year to receive mental health treatment, and the waiting period can involve harsh treatment while incarcerated. While factors such as lack of resources have contributed to this ongoing problem, research has examined other factors that might be contributing. Although inconsistent, previous research has linked certain demographic variables with longer lengths of competency restoration. Furthermore, current literature suggests individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders take longer to restore competency when compared to individuals diagnosed with affective disorders. However, the existing literature has yet to compare specific symptomology within psychotic diagnoses that may extend lengths of competency restoration. The current study examined the comparison of primary interfering symptomology within psychiatric diagnoses to aid in determining which are associated with longer lengths of competency restoration. A retrospective research design was used, and archival data from an inpatient psychiatric facility was analyzed to compare lengths of competency restoration based on several variables, including gender, race, diagnosis, types of delusions and hallucinations, and level of engagement in treatment services. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore the effect of specific demographics and length of stay. Independent samples t-tests were used to examine the relationship between various psychiatric diagnoses, interfering symptoms, and level of engagement in treatment on length of stay. The results of the study suggest individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder experience longer lengths of stay iv undergoing competency restoration treatment. Additionally, the level of treatment engagement significantly influenced the length of stay. Limitations of this study include a lack of variability and generalizability within the sample due to archival data gathered from a sole facility. Future research should examine psychiatric variables and length of competency restoration treatment in various settings.
