Violent behavior in a cohort of psychiatric patients: psycho-social risk and protective factors

Purpose: a large number of studies support the hypothesis that there is a correlation between serious mental illness and violent behavior. Given this premise, which is also confirmed by the present investigation, the authors focused on the various modalities of violent behaviors (directed against other persons, directed against objects, and self-directed) enacted by the patients in their sample and on the psychosocial factors correlated with the various behaviors considered. Method: the authors conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical records of four public outpatient psychiatric facilities; the records covered a five-year period (2005-2009). The objective of the research was to detect the presence of possible psychosocial factors that correlated with the various modalities of violent behavior recorded in the patients in the sample, in order to draw up specific treatment strategies. The study sample consisted of 1582 subjects. The data were processed by means of univariate and multivariate analyses. Results and conclusions: a statistically significant correlation was found between violent behaviors, especially those directed against other persons, and psychosocial factors; some of these factors exert a protective effect and are amenable to intervention. Regarding self-directed violent behavior, family bonds of affection were seen to constitute an important protective factor.