A study/survey results are out that challenges society's perception that mental illness is a leading cause of violence.
The Abstract,'The Intricate Link Between Violence and Mental Disorder can be found in the-Archives of General Psychiatry February 2009
FROM the abstract/article:
"Conclusions
Because severe mental illness did not independently predict future violent behavior, these findings challenge perceptions that mental illness is a leading cause of violence in the general population. Still, people with mental illness did report violence more often, largely because they showed other factors associated with violence. Consequently, understanding the link between violent acts and mental disorder requires consideration of its association with other variables such as substance abuse, environmental stressors, and history of violence."
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6 comments:
Thank you for posting this. Thinking people are violent is my pet peeve.
In the past, I have worked on a locked inpatient unit with a population of people labelled as "seriously mentally ill" (some having also been labelled as "dangerous," and having spent considerable time in a "prison for the criminally insane").
Within this microcosm, I did witness some degree of violence, in response to varied situations. (Sometimes this "violent" behavior was in response to chronic provocation by certain "troubled" staff members.)
However, I have seen much worse violence and much more frequent violent behavior in certain city neighborhoods, in some domestic violence situations, etc.
In my own experience, the vast majority of individuals labelled as "seriously mentally ill" were not looking to become violent against anyone. (They were often seeking refuge from violent living situations.)
Chronic violence is too often an "acceptable" way to live, as it takes over many households and many streets/cities. People struggling with mental illnesses are not perpetuating the increase in societal violence! This is being driven by people, in general!
Take a look at the shows scheduled on the major networks almost every weeknight! Violence, violence, violence! "Give the people what they want!" Who are these people, demanding so much violence on TV programming? (This is perpetuated by society in general.)
Stephany, thanks for the link and for addressing this important topic!
Hopeful Heart
There is only one cause of violence, I think: people believing that they are under threat, and believing that violence is a solution to that threat. Oh, yes - there's a logic behind violence, all right, but it's easier to punish those who engage in the final, violent act. Provided that they don't have an official mandate to commit violence, of course, in which case it would be the victim's fault for provoking them...
"Axis of Evil," anyone?
Matt
Thanks for this article. Violence may sometimes be the only behavior that the person has to take control of their life. I too have worked in a locked ward at a Mental Hospital, and I found the people who displayed violence, in this setting, ,did it not because they were violent people, but because it was something that made them stand out, so much is taken away from people. For people who are being medicated with the psychotropic drugs, the medications ended up taking over many natural responses,sometimes anger was attainable.And for some I saw that the violence was a byproduct of them hating where there are in life. It is an expression. Life's situations, financial and social strain are contributing factors to voience, I believe. Thanks Stephanie, Cindy
I love your blog. The information you are putting out there is so crucial. You are giving a voice to so many people who are typically not listened to.
Your support has been so overwhelming helpful and means so much. I would love to "talk" to you sometime, if you have time. My e-mail is cheryle@twcny.rr.com
Take care. Sending lots of thanks and hugs.
Very interesting experiences/viewpoints!:)
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