Identifying psychiatric patients at risk for repeated involvement in violence: The next step toward intensive community treatment programs. (2002)

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that a small, but critical subgroup of psychiatric patients is involved in a disproportionately large number of violent incidents among the mentally ill. This subgroup is an appropriate focus for intensive community-based treatment programs designed to reduce violence. However, little research has been conducted on methods for identifying patients who repeatedly become involved in violent incidents. This article describes a large follow-up study in which these patients were identified using a simple screening process that is feasible for routine use. This screening process efficiently and effectively identified a small minority of patients who were at risk for repeated involvement in violence. Patients deemed “at risk” by the screening process had an average of 7 violent incidents during a six-month follow-up period. The characteristics of these patients are described, and implications of the screening tool for conducting future research, targeting individuals for more intensive treatment services, and developing violence focused treatment programs are discussed.

Skeem, J., Mulvey, E., Lidz, C., Gardner, W., & Schubert, C. (2002). Identifying psychiatric patients at risk for repeated involvement in violence: The next step toward intensive community treatment programs. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health Services, 1, 155-170. doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2002.10471170