Journal Article

Characteristics of International Assaultive Psychiatric Patients: Review of Published Findings, 2013–2017

Wyshak, Grace, Flannery, Raymond B, Flannery, Georgina J

2018

Overview

Since the 1960s, empirical research has worked toward a better understanding of the characteristics of assaultive psychiatric patients. International research through 2012 indicated that male and female patients with schizophrenia and other diagnoses presented the greatest risk for assault. This present review of studies that presented raw assault sought to assess the latest research findings on assaultive patients for the most recent 5 year period, 2013–2017. It was hypothesized that male patients with schizophrenia would present the greatest risk. The findings indicated a sharp increase in the total number of reported assault incidents over the proceeding decade. These assaults were committed largely by male patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Explanations for these findings and an updated methodological inquiry are presented.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Assaults / Males / Medical diagnosis / Mental disorders / Patients / Psychiatric research / Research methodology / Schizophrenia