Citation

Arseneault L, Cannon M, Murray R, Poulton R, Caspi A, Moffitt TE. Br. J. Psychiatry 2003; 183: 520-525.

Affiliation

Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK. l.arseneault@iop.kcl.ac.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14645023

Abstract

BACKGROUND: People with psychosis have an elevated risk of violence. AIMS: To examine whether violent behaviour in adults with psychosis can be accounted for by psychotic symptoms or physical aggression in childhood. METHOD: We used data from a prospective longitudinal study of a complete birth cohort born in New Zealand. When cohort members were 26 years old, information was obtained on past-year psychiatric diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder and on violent behaviour. Childhood psychotic symptoms were measured at age 11 years using a diagnostic interview, and childhood physical aggression was assessed by teachers when cohort members were aged 7, 9 and 11 years. RESULTS: Participants with schizophreniform disorder were more likely to be violent than participants without, even after controlling for sociodemographic variables and concurrent substance dependence disorders. Childhood psychotic symptoms were a strong risk factor for violence in adults with schizophreniform disorder, as was childhood physical aggression, although to a lesser extent. CONCLUSIONS: Violence by individuals with schizophreniform disorder could be prevented by monitoring early signs of psychotic symptoms and by controlling childhood physical aggression.

Language: en