Addictive behaviors
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Addictive behaviors · Oct 2006
Multicenter StudySubstance abuse amplifies the risk for violence in schizophrenia spectrum disorder.
The factors responsible for the association between schizophrenia and violence with or without co-occurring substance abuse have not been fully elucidated. The present study had two aims: (1) ascertain whether substance abuse augments the risk for violence in patients with schizophrenia; and, (2) determine whether violence is differentially related to positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. ⋯ In addition, patients with a history of criminal offenses and substance use disorder were more likely to exhibit violent behavior. Based on the results of this study, it is feasible to identify individual with schizophrenic spectrum disorder who are at high risk for violence.