Risk of Violence and Psychosis: Does Duration of Untreated Psychosis Matter

Violence in first episode psychosis presents in variable forms. Most studies have focused on physical aggression and its link to first episode psychosis. There is inconclusive evidence supporting a link between duration of untreated psychosis with violence. Besides only a handful of cases with psychosis could pose a threat for violent behavior. Predictors of violence in first episode psychosis include the presence of depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse, past history of violence and personality disorders. It is important to understand the association between longer duration of untreated psychosis and risk of violence. Improving strategies to mitigate duration of untreated psychosis may help in early identification and treatment and there-by reduce the risk of violence. The purpose of this paper is to highlight risk of violence with untreated psychosis and provide insight into aggression conveyed on Internet sites which often goes unnoticed.