Educational Review From Page 49: Schizophrenia and violence – a Public Health perspective by Dr Lea Breunung

                                                      Lea Breunung

ABSTRACT

Objective - To discuss the public health perspective of the potential link between schizophrenia and violence, including the initiatives taken both nationally and internationally to tackle stigmatisation and discrimination.

Design – A review of the literature.

Setting – Journals, online journals and websites, and books.

Method - A review of the literature was performed, reviewing online resources, websites, books and journals.

Results - The concept of schizophrenia and violence pose a considerable burden not only on patients and families, but also on society and the economy – both at the national and international level. Targeted and generalised initiatives, such as antistigma campaigns, are implemented to highlight mental health problems at both national and international levels.

Conclusion - Schizophrenia affects approximately one percent of the world’s population, and is the most commonly studied psychiatric disorder in relation to violent and criminal behaviour. Both schizophrenia and criminal behaviours have public health consequences at a national and international level. Stigmatisation and discrimination affect patients suffering from schizophrenia. Antistigma campaigns and other preventative actions are in place to aid understanding of this important topic. 

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