Risk Factors For Violent Behavior Research Articles

Evaluating the function and psychometric properties of a violence risk screening tool in a community sample of adolescents.

Youth violence continues to be widespread. Despite numerous evidence-based programs that reduce youth violence, objective ways to identify youth in need of services is lacking. Few screening tools are available that enables practitioners or community organizations to predict who may perpetrate serious violence. The Violence Injury Protection and Risk Screen (VIPRS) is a previously validated screening tool providing a framework to address youth violence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the VIPRS in a community sample for use in multiple settings. Youth participating in a community-focused youth violence prevention intervention served as the study subjects. Households with youth ages 10-17 were eligible to participate. Study personnel verbally asked youth survey questions and recorded answers on a laptop. Multiple measures-including risk factors for violent behavior as well as, violence and delinquency scales, were asked. Eleven hundred youth participated. Mean age was 13.3; 53% female, 26% Black, 58% Hispanic, 11% more than 1 race. Twenty percent screened positive on the VIPRS-28% male versus 13% female (p = .000). Violence-related behaviors were common: 33% were in a physical fight, 27% experienced cyberbullying victimization, and 9% perpetrated a minor assault. The VIPRS demonstrated robust criterion validity with significant correlation to multiple violence measures (0.3-0.6). Scoring positive on the VIPRS conveyed increased odds of reporting other violent behaviors, such as perpetrating physical aggression (OR: 7 [95% CI: 5.1-11.5]). Overall, the VIPRS performed well in a community sample of youth further validating its psychometric functioning while demonstrating the potential for use in settings beyond healthcare.

Risk factors for violent behaviour before and after the onset of schizophrenia spectrum disorder: A naturalistic case-control study in the Netherlands

BackgroundRisk factors for violent behaviour may differ depending on whether this begins before (VBO) or after (VAO) the onset of schizophrenia spectrum disorder. However, previous studies have been limited by selective samples of forensic patients and crude outcome measures. MethodsThe sample consisted of 1013 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders recruited from various treatment settings across the Netherlands. Putative risk factors and outcomes were measured with standardised instruments. We used logistic regression models to compare patients with VBO (n = 48), patients with VAO (n = 130) and nonviolent (NV) patients (n = 708) on each risk factor, adjusting for sex and age. ResultsPatients with VBO more often lived in a socially disorganised neighbourhood than NV patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.3, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.3–8.0) and patients with VAO (aOR 3.3, 95 % CI 1.1–9.6). Clinical risk factors were more prevalent in patients with VAO than in NV patients, with substance misuse (aOR 1.5, 95 % CI 1.0–2.3), impairments in executive functions (aOR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.0–2.4), poor impulse control (aOR 2.4, 9 % CI 1.5–3.6), delusions (aOR 1.5, 95 % CI 1.1–2.3) and lack of illness insight (aOR 1.5, 95 % CI 1.0–2.2) reaching statistical significance. Patients with VBO were also more likely to have poor impulse control than NV patients (aOR 2.6, 95 % CI 1.3–5.1). ConclusionStrategies to predict and prevent violence in schizophrenia spectrum disorders should distinguish between VBO and VAO.

Is co-occurrence of adult adhd with bipolar disorder a risk factor for violent behavior?

Research has shown that individuals with psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a higher likelihood of violent behavior. This study investigated the frequency of comorbid BD and ADHD in adultpatients and the relationship between this comorbidity and violent behavior. We assessed 105 remitted patients diagnosed with BD I (n = 91) or BD II (n = 14). The patients were administered the Sociodemographic Data Scale, the Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS), the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), and theViolence Tendency Scale (VTS) as self-reports. The same clinician administered the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults (DIVA 2.0) to patients who scored≥36 on the WURS. Comorbid ADHD was diagnosed in 15.2% of patients according to the DIVA 2.0. In the multiple linear regression analysis, there was a statistically significant positive effect of the ASRS total score on the VTS and the BPAQ total score. Furthermore, it was found that male gender had a statistically significant positive effect on VTS total score and young age had a statistically significant positive effect on BPQA total score. These findings demonstrate an association between BD, comorbid ADHD, and violent behavior.

Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and violence in the prison population: prospective cohort study of sentenced male prisoners in the UK.

Violence is a common problem in prisons. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a prevalent disorder in prison populations, has been identified as a risk factor for violent behaviour in community and military populations. Although cross-sectional associations between PTSD and prison violence have been documented, prospective cohort studies are required. To investigate whether PTSD is an independent risk factor for prison violence, and examine the potential role of PTSD symptoms and other trauma sequelae on the pathway from trauma exposure to violent behaviour in prison. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a large, medium security prison in London, UK. A random sample of sentenced prisoners arriving into custody (N = 223) took part in a clinical research interview, which assessed trauma histories, mental disorders including PTSD, and other potential sequelae of trauma (anger, emotion dysregulation). Incidents of violent behaviour were measured with prison records covering the 3 months after reception into custody. Stepped binary logistic regression and a series of binary mediation models were performed. Prisoners who met current (past month) criteria for PTSD were more likely to engage in violent behaviour during the first 3 months of imprisonment, after adjusting for other independent risk factors. The relationship between lifetime exposure to interpersonal trauma and violent behaviour in custody was mediated by total PTSD symptom severity. Hyperarousal and negatively valenced cognitive and emotional appraisal symptoms were particularly implicated in this pathway. The identification and treatment of PTSD has the potential to reduce violence in prison populations.

Predisposing and Precipitating Factors of Schizophrenic Clients with the Risk of Violent Behavior and Hallucination

The management of schizophrenia clients especially those who are at risk of violent behavior and hallucinations clients, its takes a long time. The management can be successful if it focuses on redisposing and precipitation factors. This study aimed to determine the predisposing and precipitation clients of risk factors for violent behavior and hallucinations. This research was descriptive analytic study. The sample was obtained with a total sampling of 48 respondents who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a checklist of predisposing and precipitation factors and analyzed by frequency distribution. The predisposing factors found that caused schizophrenic clients to experience the risk of violent behavior and hallucinations were history of previous mental disorders (72.9%), unpleasant experiences and negative self-concept (100%) and the condition of clients who did not work (79.2%). Most of the precipitation factors found were drug withdrawal (50%), problem solving was 41.7%, and not working which reached 66.7%. Clients with schizophrenia who are at risk of violent behavior and hallucinations can be managed properly by considering the predisposition and precipitation that triggers the client to experience schizophrenia and relapse.

Clinical Factors Associated with Violence Behavior in Persons with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Case Control Study

IntroductionStudy of clinical risk factors of violent behavior in persons with schizophrenia still remains actual in research literature. This is especially important for Georgia as ongoing mental health reform aims to shift from institutional care to community based services, which in turn requires better understanmding and management of risk of aggressive behavior in the community.ObjectivesTo study clinical risk factors for violence in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) who have committed a violent act in the past and in persons with SSD who have not committed a violent act.MethodsThe survey design was retrospective case-control study. Case-control groups were defined according to the outcome (violent act in the past). We studied the impact of clinical symptoms on each person using standardized scales for assessment of the positive and negative symptoms and global level of functioning. Data were collected through patient interviews and medical records.ResultsStudy results showed that diagnosis of delusional disorder and ideas of persecution were associated with increased risk of violence (28.7% cases versus 7.5% controls); Hallucinations if presented were less severe compared with controls (2.1% vs. 7.5%). Negative symptoms were marked in cases but more severe in controls. Of cases 43,6% showed serious impairment of global functioning (vs 25,5% controls).ConclusionsStudy findings confirmed that a focus on improving controllable clinical factors, including global level of functioning, might help to prevent aggressive behavior. It is discussed that developments and implementation needs-specific services to reduce risk of violence behavior should be prioritized by mental health national strategy plan.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

The Link Between Cannabis Use and Violent Behavior in the Early Phase of Psychosis: The Potential Role of Impulsivity.

IntroductionRecently, the literature has shown that Cannabis Use (CU) was a risk factor for Violent Behavior (VB) in patients with psychosis, and those in the early phase of psychosis (EPP). These findings are relevant because of the high prevalence of CU in this EPP, and the potential for prevention during this phase of illness. However, there is still a lack of clear explanations, supported by empirical evidence, about what underlies the link between CU and VB against other.MethodThis viewpoint reviews the scientific literature on the link between CU and VB, and the involvement of impulsivity in this relationship. This last point will be addressed at clinical and neurobiological levels.ResultsRecent studies confirmed that CU is particularly high in the EPP, and is a risk factor for VB in the EPP and schizophrenia. Studies have also shown that impulsivity is a risk factor for VB in psychosis, is associated with CU, and may mediate the link between CU and VB. Research suggests a neurobiological mechanism, as CU affects the structures and function of frontal areas, known to play a role in impulsive behavior.ConclusionScientific evidence support the hypothesis of an involvement of impulsivity as a variable that could mediate the link between CU and aggression, particularly, when CU has an early onset. However, this hypothesis should be confirmed with longitudinal studies and by taking into account confounding factors. The studies highlight the relevance of early prevention in the EPP, in addition to interventions focusing on psychotic disorders.

The Prediction and Influential Factors of Violence in Male Schizophrenia Patients With Machine Learning Algorithms.

BackgroundEarly to identify male schizophrenia patients with violence is important for the performance of targeted measures and closer monitoring, but it is difficult to use conventional risk factors. This study is aimed to employ machine learning (ML) algorithms combined with routine data to predict violent behavior among male schizophrenia patients. Moreover, the identified best model might be utilized to calculate the probability of an individual committing violence.MethodWe enrolled a total of 397 male schizophrenia patients and randomly stratified them into the training set and the testing set, in a 7:3 ratio. We used eight ML algorithms to develop the predictive models. The main variables as input features selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic regression (LR) were integrated into prediction models for violence among male schizophrenia patients. In the training set, 10 × 10-fold cross-validation was conducted to adjust the parameters. In the testing set, we evaluated and compared the predictive performance of eight ML algorithms in terms of area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultOur results showed the prevalence of violence among male schizophrenia patients was 36.8%. The LASSO and LR identified main risk factors for violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia integrated into the predictive models, including lower education level [0.556 (0.378–0.816)], having cigarette smoking [2.121 (1.191–3.779)], higher positive syndrome [1.016 (1.002–1.031)] and higher social disability screening schedule (SDSS) [1.081 (1.026–1.139)]. The Neural Net (nnet) with an AUC of 0.6673 (0.5599–0.7748) had better prediction ability than that of other algorithms.ConclusionML algorithms are useful in early identifying male schizophrenia patients with violence and helping clinicians take preventive measures.

You Hurt Me, so I Hurt Myself and Others: How Does Childhood Emotional Maltreatment Affect Adolescent Violent Behavior and Suicidal Ideation?

Violent behavior and suicidal ideation are two major public health problems, with the former representing outward attack and the latter characterizing inward attack. The effects of emotional maltreatment in childhood will continue into adolescence. This study explores the impact of childhood emotional maltreatment on adolescent violent behavior/suicidal ideation and its mechanism. Participants were 3,600 adolescents (average age is 16.21 ± 0.99) from the middle east of China. They completed questionnaires measuring emotional maltreatment in childhood, deviant peer affiliation, depression, violent behavior, and suicidal ideation in adolescence. After controlling for demographic variables, we found that deviant peer affiliation and depression mediated between childhood emotional maltreatment and adolescent violent behavior/suicidal ideation. Multi-group analysis results showed that males' deviant peer affiliation would contribute to their violent behaviors. Among female groups, deviant peer affiliation and depression were risk factors for violent behavior and suicidal ideation. a) cross-sectional design was used in this study; b) all the measures were self-reported. Preventing emotional maltreatment in childhood can help reduce violent behavior and suicidal ideation by reducing deviant peer affiliation and depression in adolescence. Males who experienced emotional maltreatment in childhood are more likely to show violent behaviors shaped by external factors such as deviant peer affiliation. In contrast, females' interpersonal orientation and internalizing factors both influence their external and internal aggressive behaviors.

Workplace Violence Against Doctors in Bangladesh: A Content Analysis.

Workplace violence in healthcare settings is a common global problem, including in Bangladesh. Despite the known presence of workplace violence in healthcare environments of developing countries, there is limited understanding of factors that lead to hospital violence in Bangladesh. This study aims to explore factors that influence incidents of violence against healthcare professionals in Bangladesh, as reported by doctors via social media forum. Content analysis was conducted on 157 reported incidents documented on “Platform,” the online social media most used by medical students and doctors in Bangladesh. Posts by doctors detailing experiences of physical or verbal violence at their workplace between July 2012 and December 2017 were included in this study. The majority of reported incidents were reported by male doctors (86%) and from government hospitals (63.7%). Findings showed that primary healthcare centers experienced more violence than secondary and tertiary facilities. This may largely be due to insufficient human and other resources in primary care settings to meet patient demand and expectations. Most of the events happened at night (61%), and as a result, entry-level doctors such as emergency duty doctors and intern doctors were commonly affected. Six themes were identified as vital factors in workplace violence against doctors: patients’ perspectives, delayed treatment, power practice, death declarations, extreme violence, and care-seeking behaviors. Most incidents fell under the categories of delayed treatment and power practice at 26.8 and 26.1%, respectively. This study identified possible factors for reported violence in hospital settings. To address and reduce these incidents, hospital administrators should be aware of risk factors for violent behavior and design appropriate measures to prevent workplace violence. Further qualitative and quantitative research is needed to appropriately address the consequences of violence on healthcare workers and implement measures to mitigate these events.

What makes a "successful" psychopath? Longitudinal trajectories of offenders' antisocial behavior and impulse control as a function of psychopathy.

Psychopathy is a considerable risk factor for violent behavior. However, many psychopathic individuals refrain from antisocial and criminal acts. The mechanisms underlying the formation of this "successful" phenotype are uncertain. We tested a compensatory model of "successful" psychopathy, which posits that relatively "successful" psychopathic individuals develop greater conscientious traits that serve to inhibit their heightened antisocial impulses. To test this model, we examined the 7-year longitudinal Research on Pathways to Desistance study of 1,354 adjudicated adolescents. Higher initial psychopathy was associated with steeper increases in general inhibitory control and the inhibition of aggression over time. This effect was magnified among "successful" offenders (i.e., those who reoffended less). These findings support our compensatory model, suggesting that psychopathic individuals who develop greater self-regulatory control over their antisocial impulses become relatively more "successful" than their less regulated counterparts. Moreover, our results speak of the importance of the five-factor model for understanding psychopathy and the crucial role of conscientiousness in the form that psychopathic individuals take. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

De Cl\xe9rambault\u2019s syndrome revisited: a case report of Erotomania in a male

BackgroundErotomania, also known as “de Clérambault’s Syndrome”, is a psychiatric syndrome characterized by the delusional belief that one is loved by another person of, generally of a higher social status. Erotomania has always been a target of attempts of conceptualization, and the utility of regarding Erotomania as an independent syndrome has been questioned to this day. Erotomania has a much higher prevalence in the female sex, and male Erotomania is a rare and probably underdiagnosed condition. Male Erotomania is only more prevalent in forensic samples, since male sex is one of the risk factors for violent behavior in this disorder. In this article, we aim to describe an uncommon case of Erotomania occurring in a male, hoping to add to literature and to reflect on the implications of the occurrence of Erotomania in men. By discussing the case in light of the different described clinical pictures, proposed diagnostic criteria and classifications, we also aim to contribute to the ongoing attempt to conceptualize this syndrome and to understand the pertinence of considering it an independent nosological entity.Case presentationWe describe a case of Erotomania in a middle-aged Caucasian Portuguese male, with consecutive erotic delusions, followed by a classic turn to a persecutory delusion. The patient was admitted as an inpatient in a psychiatry unit and he was medicated with risperidone 3 mg and diazepam 3 mg daily. His persecutory delusion remitted a 4 days later, he gained insight and was discharged to follow-up as an outpatient. He retains his erotic delusional beliefs, but these are less intense, and has not presented further aggressive behavior.ConclusionsWe can conclude that it seems reasonable to retain the operative concept of Erotomania as a subtype of Persistent Delusional Disorder/Delusional Disorder, since cases fitting the classical descriptions of the syndrome have been reported, including the presented case. The diagnosis of Erotomania has implications in case management, treatment and prognosis, and missing it, especially in men, may culminate in violent situations that can have legal implications. The developed diagnostic criteria and classifications seem to retain use and should be kept in mind, in the sense that they facilitate making an important diagnosis.

Trauma and violent offending among adolescents: a birth cohort study

BackgroundEarlier studies, based on data collected among juvenile court clients or prisoners, suggest that there is an association between trauma and adolescent-onset offending. However, there is a lack of large-scale...

Examining the factors associated with impulsivity in forensic populations: A systematic review

Elevated levels of impulsivity are considered a significant risk factor for violent behaviour within forensic populations but our knowledge of the causes of impulsivity in this group remains limited. This review collates and critically evaluates existing research examining factors associated with impulsive behaviour in forensic populations. A systematic review of the current literature was conducted. The electronic databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ProQuest Criminal Justice and Social Sciences were searched. Methodological quality assessment of eligible articles was completed prior to a narrative synthesis of findings. Nine studies were included for review. Identified studies were rated as either of “adequate” or “good” quality. Studies were limited in their use of prospective, longitudinal methodological designs to assess the relationship between study variables and impulsive behaviour. Factors associated with increased impulsivity included traumatic brain injury, substance or alcohol misuse, traumatic experiences and difficulty sleeping. There remains little evidence regarding the underlying factors associated with impulsivity in forensic groups or, whether these might differ from those in the wider population; a question that will require further research. Those factors associated with impulsivity in forensic populations thus far; trauma, head injury, alcohol and substance misuse and poor sleep quality, provide the opportunity for more targeted screening for, and treatment of, impulsivity. • Impulsiveness considered a risk factor for violence in forensic populations • Systematic review of factors associated with impulsivity in forensic populations • Elevated impulsivity linked to TBI, substances or alcohol misuse, trauma and poor sleep

On the Need for a Biopsychosocial Victimology: A Foundational Model for Focusing Violence Prevention on Women and Children

ABSTRACTCriminology has traditionally been primarily focused on adolescent male criminality given the perception that most violent crime is perpetrated by boys in their early teens. However, this view neglects the considerable amount of evidence that violent behavior is manifest very early in the life course and that risk factors for violent behavior exist even earlier when the child is in utero. Therefore, violence prevention must concentrate heavily on biological and psychosocial processes early in human development. One profitable avenue is to refocus crime prevention efforts on the needs of mothers and their children. The authors develop and present a biopsychosocial model for violence prevention and intervention that emphasizes the needs of expectant and new mothers along with their children. Policies and programs that address early victimization and the biological and sociological impact of victimization are specifically discussed as mechanisms of violence reduction.

Cannabis, a Significant Risk Factor for Violent Behavior in the Early Phase Psychosis. Two Patterns of Interaction of Factors Increase the Risk of Violent Behavior: Cannabis Use Disorder and Impulsivity; Cannabis Use Disorder, Lack of Insight and Treatment Adherence.

Background: Previous literature suggests that prevalence of cannabis use in the early phase of psychosis is high, and that early psychosis patients are at high-risk for violent behavior. However, the link between cannabis use and violent behavior in early psychosis patients is unclear. We carried out a study on a sample of early psychosis patients, in order to explore the impact of cannabis use on the risk of violent behavior (VB), while taking into account (1) potential confounding factors and, (2) interactions with other dynamic risk factors of VB.Method: In a sample of 265 early psychosis patients, treated at the Treatment and Early Intervention in Psychosis Program (TIPP) in Lausanne, we used logistic regression models to explore the link between various dynamic risk factors of VB [positive symptoms, substance use disorder (drugs including cannabis, alcohol and others drugs), insight, impulsivity, affective instability, and treatment adherence], and VB occurring during treatment. In order to understand hierarchical effects attributable to the combinations of risk factors on VB we conducted a Classification and Regression Tree (CART).Results: Our results show that cannabis use disorder is a risk factor for VB. The associations among risk factors suggest the presence of two patient profiles with an increased rate of VB: the first is composed of patients with cannabis use disorder and impulsivity, and the second of patients combining cannabis use disorder, absence of insight and non-adherence to treatment. The results also show the moderating role of insight and adherence to treatment on the rate of VB in patients with cannabis use disorder.Conclusion: This study suggests that cannabis use disorder is a significant risk factor for VB amongst early psychosis patients, particularly when combined with either impulsivity, lack of insight and non-adherence to treatment. These results suggest that preventive strategies could be developed on the basis of such patient profiles.

Disentangling the link between posttraumatic stress disorder and violent behavior: Findings from a nationally representative sample.

Although research using combat veteran samples has demonstrated an association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and violence toward others, there has been relatively little research examining this relationship among individuals with no combat history. Data representative of the United States population collected from the two wave National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) were analyzed to determine the risk factors for violent behavior of individuals reporting no history of active military combat (N = 33,215). In χ2 analyses, participants meeting criteria for lifetime PTSD at Wave 1 reported higher rates of violence between Waves 1 and 2 compared with participants without a history of PTSD (7 vs. 3%). An increase in anger after trauma and use of alcohol to cope with PTSD symptoms were stronger predictors of physically aggressive or violent acts than a lifetime diagnosis of PTSD without anger. When controlling for these and other covariates, PTSD alone no longer significantly predicted any subtype of physical aggression or violence toward others. Results suggest that although PTSD is related to violent behavior, specific sequelae of trauma (specifically, increased anger and self-medicating with alcohol) are more critical than diagnosis per se in predicting violent behavior in the general population. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

Taking Responsibility: Psychological and Attitudinal Change through a Domestic Violence Intervention Program in New South Wales, Australia

Literature widely reports the negative impacts of domestic violence at individual, family, and societal levels. Intervention programs that effectively assist violent men to develop alternate ways of relating, and thus enhance the safety of women and children, are of significant value to governments and the community. This study evaluates the effectiveness of one such program in promoting change in relevant attitudes and psychological constructs. Program participants completed pre- and post-group surveys containing validated scales that measured their gender equity beliefs, self-esteem, mastery, and psychological distress. Over the duration of program attendance, positive changes were evident regarding men’s self-esteem, mastery, and psychological distress, however, no significant change in gender equity beliefs was apparent. The positive changes evident amongst participants indicate beneficial outcomes from group work participation in areas that have been identified as risk factors for violent behaviour. The results also suggest that intervention programs would benefit from an increased focus on gender equity beliefs, and that further research is necessary on the extent to which this focus could improve attitudes, and consequently promote safety for women and children.

Violent behavior among military reservists.

Large numbers of British and American Reservists have been deployed to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Little is known about the impact of deployment and combat exposure on violent behavior in Reservists. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-reported violent behavior among a representative sample of United Kingdom Reservists, the risk factors associated with violence and the impact of deployment and combat exposure on violence. This study used data from a large cohort study of randomly selected UK military personnel and included Reservists who were in service at the time of sampling (n = 1710). Data were collected by questionnaires that asked about socio-demographic and military characteristics, pre-enlistment antisocial behavior, deployment experiences, post-deployment mental health, and self-reported interpersonal violent behavior. The prevalence of violence among Reservists was 3.5%. Deployment was found to be a risk factor for violent behavior even after adjustment for confounders. The association with violence was similar for those deployed in either a combat role or non-combat role. Violence was also strongly associated with mental health risk factors (PTSD, common mental disorders, and alcohol misuse). This study demonstrated higher levels of self-reported post-deployment violence in UK Reservists who had served in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Deployment, irrespective of the role was associated with higher levels of violent behavior among Reservists. The results also emphasize the risk of violent behavior associated with post-deployment mental health problems. Aggr. Behav. 43:273-280, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comorbid substance use diagnoses and partner violence among offenders receiving pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence

ABSTRACTWhile previous studies find mixed evidence of an association between opioid use and intimate partner violence perpetration among community samples, initial evidence has detected increased rates of partner violence among individuals receiving pharmacological intervention for opioid dependence. The current study evaluated the role of current comorbid substance use diagnoses, a robust risk factor for violent behavior, on the likelihood of perpetrating partner violence among a high risk sample of offenders receiving pharmacological intervention for opioid dependence. The authors analyzed self-report data provided by 81 (55 male) opioid dependent offenders during a court-ordered substance use interview. Approximately one-third of the sample evidenced the recent use of intimate partner violence. Findings indicated that cocaine and benzodiazepine use were independently associated with an increased likelihood of reporting physical partner violence. Alcohol and cannabis use were not associated with partner violence. The current results offer further support for the ongoing need to conduct routine partner violence screenings among substance involved offenders and highlight the importance of developing individualized treatment plans that address comorbid substance use and partner-violent behaviors among individuals in treatment for opioid dependence.