The Connection Between Mental Illness, Violence, and Impulsivity - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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The Connection Between Mental Illness, Violence, and Impulsivity

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| Experts are continuing their research linking violence among the mentally ill to substance use. The relationship between impulsivity and acute use of substances, in particular, alcohol, has shown to greatly factor into harming oneself or harming others. – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: The Connection Between Mental Illness, Violence, and Impulsivity


1
The Connection Between
Mental Illness,
Violence, and
Impulsivity
2
For years, medical experts have connected mental
illness with substance use in particular, the
relationship between substance abuse and harm to
oneself or others. However, as researchers
continue to study this connection, it appears the
role of alcohol and drugs may be more significant
than originally hypothesized.
3
While the amount of violent crimes committed by
the mentally ill is low in proportion to the
total number, substance use seems to play a
weighty role in that portion. A study in the
American Journal of Psychiatry found that 58 of
the 208 defendants studied had an Axis I or II
disorder, with 47 of those individuals diagnosed
with substance use.
4
A different study showed that individuals were
2.7 times more likely to participate in a violent
act if their symptoms, and severity of symptoms,
fluctuated rapidly, rather than trending back to
stability. Substance use particularly, alcohol
was connected to the inability to control
symptoms back to equilibrium or a set point.
5
Psychiatry professor Edward Mulvey says advances
in understanding how to identify high-risk groups
combined with effectively monitoring changes in
risk in particular, substance use could be
valuable in dealing with potential acts of
violence.
6
Associate professor of psychiatry Kenneth Conner
says it is hard to conduct research on
suicidality among individuals with alcohol use
disorders because it is a challenging group to
track. However, he has found in his research that
suicide attempts increase up to 6 times with
acute alcohol use.
7
Alan Swann, a professor of psychiatry and
behavioral sciences, says violence is closely
tied to impulsivity. While substance use is
correlated with increased impulsive acts, it is
especially dominant in individuals suffering from
a psychiatric illness. Being the victim of
aggressive behavior, acting out aggressively, and
suicidality increase among the mentally ill using
substances.
8
Brain structure is closely linked to the roots of
impulsivity. While stress, mania, and even sleep
deprivation can wildly affect the complex system
of responses in the brain, an acute use of drugs
or alcohol can further disturb an already
maladapted system, Dr. Swann stresses. For
example, alcohol is both a stimulant and a
depressant the brain must go through two
independent responses.
9
The takeaway from this connection between the
underlying biology of impulsivity and substance
use is that there is potential for future
pharmacological treatments, Dr. Swann points out.
However, even being aware of the connection
allows individuals to recognize their risky
behavior and make modifications.
10
Contact Us
Forensic Psychiatric Associates Medical
Corporation (fpamed) provides expert medical
testimony on mental health issues. Fpamed
professionals research medical records, legal
documents, interviews and more to provide
accurate, compelling testimony for plaintiff and
defense clients. For expert mental health
witnesses who know their science and understand
how to explain information for laypeople,
fpamed's reputation is unparalleled.
For more information on forensic psychiatry and
fpameds services, please visit www.fpamed.com or
call (415) 388-8040.
11
Resource http//psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/ne
wsarticle.aspx?articleID1887008
12
Summary
Experts are continuing their research linking
violence among the mentally ill to substance use.
The relationship between impulsivity and acute
use of substances, in particular, alcohol, has
shown to greatly factor into harming oneself or
harming others.
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