Citation

Carabellese F, Candelli C, Martinelli D, La Tegola D, Catanesi R. Riv. Psichiatr. 2013; 48(1): 43-50.

Affiliation

Sezione di Criminologia e Psichiatria Forense, Università di Bari, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore)

DOI

10.1708/1228.13614

PMID

23438700

Abstract

An ample volume of research evidence supports the conclusion that drug use/abuse is correlated with violent behavior. Some studies have shown that co-morbidity also appears to be predictive of violent behavior. The research evidence indicates gender differences, while socio-economic and familial factors play a role, too. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study of the clinical files of four public psychiatric outpatient facilities during five years. The objectives of the research were to identify and analyze relationships between: a) cannabis use/abuse and violent behavior and b) cannabis use/abuse, psychopathology, and violent behavior. The study sample consisted of 1,582 subjects. The data, gathered in a dedicated database, were processed by applying univariate and multivariate analysis models. RESULTS: Subjects who used/abused cannabis showed a high prevalence of violent behavior, Regardless of the type of psychiatric disorder, the use of cannabis appears to be an evident risk factor. Significant correlations also emerged between cannabis use/abuse and the type of violent behavior, especially self-inflicted injury. Evidence also emerged that other factors are implicated. This is consistent with the current literature proposing multi-casual explanations of violent behavior.

Language: en