Psychiatry Research EG

Background Patients with schizophrenia in particular are reported to engage in violent acts that are more frequent and more severe compared with other psychiatric illnesses. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with violence among schizophrenic patients. Patients and methods A consecutive sample of 140 inpatient schizophrenic patients was recruited into this study. Schizophrenia was diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSMIV Axis I Disorders, clinical version (SCID-I-CV). Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used for the patients. The presence of violence was assessed using the Modified Overt Aggression Scale and perceived family criticism was assessed using the Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism Scale. Results Of the 140 schizophrenic patients, 66 (47.1%) reported a presence of violence as a cause for their admission. The presence of positive symptoms and excitement, male sex, noncompliance with treatment, presence of previous hospitalizations because of violence, and higher levels of perceived family criticism were found to be associated significantly with violence among schizophrenic patients (OR = 2.1, 1.16, 1.27, 1.14, 1.34, and 1.20, respectively). Conclusion Positive symptoms of schizophrenia, male sex, noncompliance with treatment, a history of violence, and perceived family criticism were found to be associated with violence among schizophrenic patients in the current study. All these factors should be considered in the treatment regimen of schizophrenia to decrease violence among these patients. Keywords: perceived family criticism, schizophrenia, violence