title: Cannabis use and violent behaviour: a psychiatric patients cohort study in Southern Italy.
abstract: An ample volume of research evidence supports the conclusion that drug use/abuse is correlated with violent behavior. Some studies have shown that co-morbidity also appears to be predictive of violent behavior. The research evidence indicates gender differences, while socio-economic and familial factors play a role, too.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective study of the clinical files of four public psychiatric outpatient facilities during five years. The objectives of the research were to identify and analyze relationships between: a) cannabis use/abuse and violent behavior and b) cannabis use/abuse, psychopathology, and violent behavior. The study sample consisted of 1,582 subjects. The data, gathered in a dedicated database, were processed by applying univariate and multivariate analysis models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Subjects who used/abused cannabis showed a high prevalence of violent behavior, Regardless of the type of psychiatric disorder, the use of cannabis appears to be an evident risk factor. Significant correlations also emerged between cannabis use/abuse and the type of violent behavior, especially self-inflicted injury. Evidence also emerged that other factors are implicated. This is consistent with the current literature proposing multi-casual explanations of violent behavior.
authors: Sezione di Criminologia e Psichiatria Forense, Università di Bari, Italy.
authors: Felice
authors: F
authors: Carabellese
authors: Chiara
authors: C
authors: Candelli
authors: Domenico
authors: D
authors: Martinelli
authors: Donatella
authors: D
authors: La Tegola
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Catanesi
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*