[Violent behavior variables among patients with schizophrenia under forensic psychiatric process: a case-control study].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the patterns of offense and treatment outcomes in patients with schizophrenia who have exhibited violent behavior and to provide data for mental health professionals to aid in the treatment and therapeutic support of schizophrenia patients.

METHODS

The subjects included in this study include a total of 52 patients with schizophrenia who had committed violent crime and who were under observation or mandatory treatment, and a control group of 31 subjects who assumed full responsibility for the crime they were accused of. Patients with schizophrenia and control subjects were examined based on the assumption that prior exhibition of violent behavior may be a determining factor for socio-demographic characteristics and the early identification of violent crime. Life-long aggressive behavior was also examined using the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS).

RESULTS

A total of 80.7% of the patients with schizophrenia were found to be paranoid subtype. The mean age of schizophrenia, the age for the first criminal behavior and the mean age at the time of crime were significantly higher in the schizophrenic group, compared to controls. Previous criminal history, self-injurious behavior before the violent crime, and alcohol and substance use at the time of crime were found to be significantly lower in the schizophrenia group. It was found that more crimes were committed during the daytime in the schizophrenia group, in comparison to the control group. It was also observed that patients with schizophrenia primarily targeted the people around them.

CONCLUSION

Investigation into the behavior patterns of patients with schizophrenia exhibiting violent behavior and taking measures to manage the potential risks in these individuals may help to reduce the incidence of future violent behavior. Studies such as this one can aid in improving a patient's social measures and in protecting the people around these individuals.