Psychosis does not necessarily lead to violence; those with severe mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence. Psychotic individuals may react violently to delusions and hallucinations, but overall, individuals with mental illness are not more likely to commit violence. Extra-clinical factors, such as homelessness and limited access to education, can increase the incidence of violence. Access to regular mental health care can reduce the likelihood of violent behavior. Psychotic individuals are more likely to be victims of violence.
People who exhibit symptoms of psychosis are not necessarily dangerous; in fact, patients suffering from severe mental illness may be more likely to become victims of violence. Psychotic people develop a break with reality due to an underlying mental health condition or a bad reaction to medications. They may experience hallucinations and delusions that lead them to believe they are under attack or are not living in reality. Many, however, are not dangerous, and in psychotic people with an increased tendency to behave dangerously, the main risk may be to themselves, rather than to others.
The belief that psychosis and other severe symptoms of mental illness lead to violence is a widespread stereotype. Research on the incidence of violence in the general population suggests that individuals with mental illnesses are not, overall, more likely to commit violence. Among psychotic people, there is a small increase in the incidence of violence committed by those who exhibit positive symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Much of this violence is against property, rather than people.
For patients with psychosis, behavior that appears dangerous and irrational may be a perfectly reasonable response to delusions and hallucinations. Patients who sincerely believe they are being followed by law enforcement or assaulted by doctors, for example, may react violently if they feel cornered or threatened. An operation could go wrong under these circumstances.
Studies of psychotic people also show that extra-clinical factors may play a role in the expressions of violence and dangerous activities. Severe mental illness can increase the risk of homelessness, adverse interactions with the police, and limited access to education. The stress created in these circumstances can increase the incidence of violence. Researchers also point to a self-fulfilling prophecy phenomenon; police responding to a call about a psychotic person may believe the patient is dangerous, and the patient may react violently if the police behave in a way that appears threatening.
A patient’s mental health status can influence the likelihood of violent behavior. Patients who cannot access regular mental health care, including medication, psychotherapy and community support such as housing, may be more dangerous than those receiving stable care and support. Programs to address concerns about violent crime and mental illness tend to focus on the delivery of mental health services to help patients effectively manage their mental illness, recognizing this fact.
In a study conducted in 2005, Northwestern University researcher Linda A. Teplin noted that the incidence of violence committed against people with mental illness was much higher than that of the general population. For people with severe psychosis, the incidence can be 12 times or even higher than for those without mental health conditions. This research suggests that psychotic people are more likely to be victims of dangerous acts.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
