Psychiatric disorders and violent behavior

Until recently, many researchers have been sceptical about any relationship between psychiatric disorders and violence. Since public opinion has always been prejudiced against the mentally ill, professionals in the field of psychiatry have been very cautious about further stigmatizing individuals with psychiatric illnesses. The authors have reviewed studies of mental disorders and violence, particularly the most recent, and find that there is increasing evidence for an association between psychiatric disorders and violence. Recent data suggest that the combination of previous violent behavior, alcoholism and antisocial personality disorder markedly increases the risk of future violent behavior. Schizophrenia, personality disorders and alcoholism per se do not increase the risk of violent behavior as much as do the above factors, but the risk among these diagnostic groups is, however, notably higher than that in the general population. The authors emphasize that only a minority of patients with mental disorders are violent. Future research is needed to better identify and treat these potentially violent patients.