title: Commentary: describing differences--possibilities and pitfalls.
abstract: Reports of attempts to investigate, characterize, compare, and contrast those who are mentally ill fill the literature and invite controversy. It seems to be part of human nature to reestablish and define the differences between us. Creative descriptive studies continually challenge our perspective, yet they must be balanced with thoughtful consideration of possible selection bias, an understanding of how a perspective may influence a particular view, and an appreciation of statistical constraints, before describing differences as predictive risk factors.
authors: Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. friendmdjd@comcast.net
authors: Annette
authors: A
authors: Friend
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000786:Anger; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D007298:Insanity Defense; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011889:Rage; D012307:Risk Factors; D015983:Selection Bias