Citation

Walsh E, Gilvarry C, Samele C, Harvey K, Manley C, Tattan T, Tyrer P, Creed FH, Murray R, Fahy T. Schizophr. Res. 2004; 67(2-3): 247-252.

Affiliation

Section of Forensic Mental Health, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas's School of Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. sppmemw@iop.kcl.ac.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0920-9964(03)00091-4

PMID

14984884

Abstract

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 follow-up. 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.

Language: en