Question

Discuss research studies on the relationship between mental illness and dangerousness. Describe symptoms that correlate with an increased risk of violence among the mentally ill

Answer 1

Research studies showing the relationship between mental illness and its dangerousness are:

1) Some studies found a zero or negative relationship between mental illness and dangerousness.

2) Studies claim that in order to show violent behaviour, a person must have other reasons too such as environmental, biological and social-interactional.

3) According to Cooper, serious dangerousness is an imminent, visible risk of physical violence which is not preventable without compulsory treatment. This definition shows a relationship between mental illness and violence, therefore predicting its dangerousness.

4) Swanson has studied the link between assaultive behaviour and psychiatric disorders, thereby establishing a relationship between the mental illness and dangerousness.

5) However, Manohan, 1992, did an extensive research where a limited relationship between mental illness and dangerousness was concluded.

Symptoms that correlate with an increased risk of violence among the mentally ill are:

1) Alcohol and drug abusers are more violent.

2) Having a history of previous violence.

3) General level of aggression in the person since childhood.

4) Level of overt aggression learned from family.

5) Certain mental illnesses which leads to command hallucinations and aggressive delusions also make a person violent.