The character of danger in psychiatric practice: are the mentally ill dangerous?

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Criminology

Background:

• The study was prompted by the 1985 homicide deaths of two psychiatrists in Oregon.
• Addresses public and professional concerns regarding the dangerousness of individuals with mental illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between mental illness and dangerousness.
• To review existing psychiatric literature on patient violence and aggression.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of three key areas: arrests of mental patients, assaults on mental health professionals, and inpatient assaultive behaviors.
• Analysis of research on the prevalence and context of violence associated with mental illness.

Main Results:

• Evidence indicates that arrests of mental patients and assaults on professionals occur.
• Assaultive behaviors are documented within psychiatric settings.
• The risk of violence is significantly influenced by the patient's environment and the acuteness of their mental health condition.

Conclusions:

• The perceived risk of dangerousness among the mentally ill is real.
• Risk factors are largely determined by the specific clinical setting and the severity of the psychiatric condition.
• Promoting realistic risk assessment is vital for effective care and public safety.