Preventing Violence with Schizophrenia

I would like to express that the number of patients with Schizophrenia who become violent is less than widely perceived by the general public. Having said this, there are nevertheless a minority of schizophrenia patients who have an elevated probability of becoming violent when their illness is not under control. It is important to identify why this minority of people are at risk for such behavior, and give them the proper treatment and tools necessary to better themselves and prevent a potential catastrophe.

Violence Associated with Schizophrenia

The ideas and opinions in this article come from my personal experiences with Schizoaffective disorder and though I have never personally committed an act of violence towards anyone, I can see how these disorders could create this type of negative behavior under certain circumstances. I have written this so that such circumstances can be avoided.

One belief is that much of the violence associated with Schizophrenia stems from drug abuse, rather than directly from the illness itself. Many turn to illicit drugs in an attempt to quell their pain and suffering, yet only end up with their illness and behavior spiraling out of control. Abusing drugs with Schizophrenia is a horrible mix and will only magnify the problems associated with this illness.

Reducing Risk of Violence in Schizophrenia Patients

Controlling psychotic symptoms through medication is also an effective way to prevent both drug abuse and violence in people suffering from Schizophrenia. Under normal circumstances, schizophrenia medication can quell the psychotic symptoms and clear your thinking, making it easier to control your behavior. It is also easier to avoid avoid illicit drugs because your symptoms are under better control and you are in less mental pain.

Living in poverty with no support network with this illness can likewise increase the probability of violence. Many people with Schizophrenia become homeless at some point in their lives and isolated from the rest of society. At this point, their illness and behavior is largely unmonitored and untreated. Under these circumstances if someone were to become homicidal or suicidal, there would be no one around to get them the necessary treatment and attention that they need.

In some cases, someone with Schizophrenia may need to be involuntarily hospitalized because their symptoms and behavior cannot be controlled and they become a threat to themselves or others. I do support involuntary hospitalization in these cases, given that it is done in a humane manner and that the afflicted are treated like patients instead of criminals. This is a medical condition that given proper treatment does not need to turn into a legal matter.

Finding creative and effective strategies to treat and curb some of the negative behavior associated with this illness benefits everyone. Someday, people will begin to see this illness as a medical problem rather than a moral dilemma. When that day comes, we will be seen as a people in need of medical attention rather than as a threat.