Premorbid adjustment and violent behavior in schizophrenic patients

Abstract

We examined the influence of premorbid adjustment on violent behavior in schizophrenic patients. There is some evidence that poor premorbid adjustment predicts violent behavior, then we decided to examine this hypothesis further. Method: We recruited 72 schizophrenic patients without concomitant substance abuse 6 months prior to the assessment. Diagnoses were based on the SCID-I. Premorbid adjustment was evaluated with the Premorbid Adjustment Scale and violent behaviors with the Overt Aggression Scale. Results: Violent schizophrenic patients showed an overall worse premorbid adjustment during childhood. In addition, the area of “peer relationships” was significantly diminished in several life period sections such as childhood, early and late adolescence in violent patients. Discussion: Our data indicate that difficulties in social relationships during early stages of life may increase the risk of future violent behavior among schizophrenic patients.