Schizophrenia and Violence: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Although expert opinion has asserted that there is an increased risk of violence in individuals with schizophrenia and other psychoses, there is substantial heterogeneity between studies reporting risk of violence, and uncertainty over the causes of this heterogeneity. We undertook a systematic review of studies that report on associations between violence and schizophrenia and other psychoses. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of investigations that reported on risk of homicide in individuals with schizophrenia and other psychoses. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Bibliographic databases and reference lists were searched from 1970 to February 2009 for studies that reported on risks of…