Race, violence, and psychopathology.

The frequency of violent behavior among inpatients on an acute psychiatric unit for veterans was examined. Violent behavior was assessed using a modified Lion scale in 93 white and 24 black consecutively admitted inpatients receiving a fixed dose of neuroleptic. Blacks were significantly less violent according to the Lion scale. Item analysis revealed that whites made more violent threats, committed more violent acts against self, and were more likely to be secluded or restrained. Blacks were less likely to commit multiple acts against others, although the actual numbers of violent episodes were not significantly different. No racial differences were seen in serum neuroleptic level, psychopathology as measured by the BPRS, or admission status. The same racial differences in violence were seen when either schizophrenics alone or paranoid schizophrenics were considered.