A 10-year follow-up study of violent victimization in first episode psychosis : risk and protective factors

Violent victimization in persons with severe mental illness has long-term adverse consequences. Little is known
about the long-term prevalence of victimization in first episode psychosis, or about factors affecting victimization
throughout the course of illness.
To assess the prevalence of violent victimization during a 10-year follow-up period in a group of first episode
psychosis (FEP) patients, and to identify early predictors and risk factors for victimization.
A prospective design was used with comprehensive assessments of violent victimization, treatment variables
and functioning at baseline and during 10-year follow-up. A clinical epidemiological sample of FEP patients (n=
298) was studied.
FEP patients in our study were at a 3.5 times greater risk of victimization as compared to the normal population.
During the 10-year follow-up period, 23% of subjects fell victim to one or more violent assaults.
Victimized patients were younger and reported less occupational activity. At 10-year follow-up, victimization
was associated with more concomitant drug use, alcohol misuse and violent behavior, but not with a worse
clinical or functional outcome.
Treatment programs should focus on risk factors for victimization and develop behavioral alternatives to
mitigate risk in FEP patients.