Facts about Mental Illness and Violence
- It
is important to note that behavioral health research and practice over the
last 20 years reveal that most people who are violent do not have a mental
disorder, and most people with a mental disorder are not violent.*
- In
fact, studies indicate that people with mental illnesses are more likely
to be the victims of violent attacks than the general population. *
- Demographic
variables such as age, gender and socioeconomic status are more reliable
predictors of violence than mental illness.*
- Misconceptions
about mental illness can cause discrimination and unfairly hamper the
recovery of the nearly 20 percent of all adult Americans who experience a
mental illness each year.
- Family,
friends, employers and school personnel can be a line of “first response”
if they notice a person is behaving differently and is of concern.
The choice to seek treatment is more likely if others are compassionate
and supportive. Mental health treatment can be effective and
can enable a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life
in a community of his or her choice while striving to achieve his or her
full potential.
- Treatment
is effective and people recover from mental illnesses to live productive
lives in our communities.
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