A cross sectional study of prevalence and correlates of current and past risks in schizophrenia

• Risk of violence (historical), risk of self-neglect, and risk to others are high in schizophrenia.
• Majority of the risks of violence in subjects were moderate and temporary in nature.
• Risk of coming to harm, risk of self harm are moderate in schizophrenia in Indian population.

BackgroundThe growing burden of chronic often untreated mental illness has increased the importance of risk assessment in people suffering from major mental disorders.AimsThe present study was undertaken to obtain prevalence of various risks and predictive factors for self-harm, violence and various other risks among randomly recruited schizophrenia subjects (N = 270) on the basis of past history of their disorder.MethodUsing a rigorous translation, back translation and acceptability process, a specially constructed semi-structured assessment interview, based on a prior NHS Trust risk assessment interview along with the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS), detailed information was obtained for various risks.ResultsRisk of violence (historical) was reported among 65.55%, and risk of self-neglect among 53.33%, risk to others (47.41%), risk of coming to harm (24.07%), self-harm (22.59%), risk from others (11.85%), fire risk (2.96%).Risk of violence (historical) and risk to others was related to ‘ever’ having emotions related to harm and self-harm, ‘current’ emotions related to violence and poor compliance to treatment.ConclusionRegular risk assessment is essential to assess emotions related to violence and non-adherence to treatment. Assessment of risk helps clinicians predict the risks involved in management and in timely intervention.