TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2013//
TI  - Cannabis use and violent behaviour: a psychiatric patients cohort study in Southern Italy
JO  - Rivista di psichiatria
A1  - Carabellese, Felice
A1  - Candelli, Chiara
A1  - Martinelli, Domenico
A1  - La Tegola, Donatella
A1  - Catanesi, Roberto
SP  - 43
EP  - 50
VL  - 48
IS  - 1
N2  - 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.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0035-6484
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1708/1228.13614
ID  - ref1
ER  -