Schizophrenia and Violence: an Overview of Research On Associations, Risk Factors, and Trends over Time

Abstract

This presentation will present an overview of recent research on the relationship between schizophrenia and violent outcomes. It will first present a synthesis of studies that have examined whether schizophrenia increases the risk of violence compared to the general population, and compare this risk with other psychiatric disorders. Then risk factors for violence will be outlined in patients with schizophrenia, and whether they are shared with different adverse outcomes including suicide. Finally, using data from Swedish national registers, I will present the findings of a new study that has investigated whether the rates of violent crime in patients with schizophrenia has changed over the last four decades, and compare these findings with research from other countries.