Predicting violence in schizophrenia: a prospective study

Walsh, E. , Gilvarry, C. , Samele, C. , Harvey, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6819-0934, Manley, C. , Tattan, T., Tyrer, P. , Creed, F. , Murray, R. and Fahy, T. (2004) Predicting violence in schizophrenia: a prospective study. Schizophrenia Research, 67 (2-3). pp. 247-252. ISSN 0920-9964 doi: 10.1016/S0920-9964(03)00091-4

Abstract/Summary

Background: People with schizophrenia are more violent than the general population, but this increased risk is attributable to the actions of a small subgroup. Identifying those at risk has become an essential part of clinical practice. Aims: To estimate the risk factors for assault in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Two hundred seventy-one patients with schizophrenia were interviewed using an extensive battery of instruments. Assault was measured from multiple data sources over the next 2 years and criminal records were obtained. Multiple sociodemographic and clinical variables measured at baseline were examined as possible predictors of assault during follow-up. Results: Sixty-nine (25%) patients committed assault during the 2-year followup. The model that best predicted assault included a history of recent assault (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.17-4.61), a previous violent conviction (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.04-3.87), having received special education (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.22-6.26) and alcohol abuse (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.24-10.2). Conclusions: Previously established risk factors including a history of violence and alcohol abuse are replicated in this study. Although low premorbid IQ did not predict violence, a need for special education did. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/13834
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
Uncontrolled Keywords	schizophrenia, assault, violence , MAJOR MENTAL-DISORDERS, CRIMINAL VIOLENCE, CASE-MANAGEMENT, BIRTH COHORT, RISK, ILLNESS, RELIABILITY, COMMUNITY, BEHAVIOR, TRIAL
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