Violence and Mental Illness, 1st ed. 2019
An Overview
SpringerBriefs in Criminology Series

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Language: English

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84 p. · 15.5x23.5 cm · Paperback
This brief summarizes the existing body of knowledge about the links between mental illness and violence, recommends improved methods to deal with potentially violent individuals with mental illness, and identifies pressing implementation and research needs.  In public perception and media reports, mental illness and violence - particularly gun violence - are unquestionably linked.  However, empirical research presents a more nuanced and complex view of this relationship.

Taking into account differences between youth and adults, as well as gender and racial difference, this innovative volume will be useful to policy-makers, legislators, researchers and students interested in addressing the growing public concern about mentally ill individuals at risk for violence.
1. Introduction: Violence and Mental Illness in Context.- 2. Crazy, Mad, Insane, or Mentally Ill?.- 3. Public Perceptions and Experts’ Opinions: Causes, Correlates, and Prevention.- 4. The Association Between Mental Illness and Violence.- 5. Psychiatric Symptoms and Behaviors in Adolescence That Are Associated with Violence.- 6. Special Populations: Gender, Race and Incarcerated Individuals.- 7. Victimization and Suicide.- 8. Conclusions and Implications.

Lia Ahonen is assistant professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Ahonen is trained in Criminology and Psychology. Her research areas include youth and adult crime in combination with mental illness, predictors of violence and gun violence, the development of violent crime over time, the treatment of serious behavioral problems, and policy issues pertaining to crime and justice in different countries. Relatedly, she is knowledgeable about organizational development of and leadership in institutions dealing with delinquents' needs for services

Provides a comprehensive overview of the association between mental illness and violence, taking different populations into account, including both juveniles and adults and accounting for gender and racial difference

Describes the perception of mental illness and violence in science media, common practices, and research and practice needs

Discusses the relationship between mental illness and intrapersonal violence (suicide), and victimization of mentally ill individuals

Recommends steps for using this knowledge in policy-making, practice, and the development of effective crisis intervention initiatives to de-escalate violence