People with psychosis often victims of violence

People with psychosis are much more likely to become victims of violence and crime than the general population. This is revealed in the PhD research of Bertine de Vries, which she will defend at the University of Groningen on 19 September. Individuals with a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia, are four to six times more at risk of becoming victims of physical abuse or threats.

The stereotype that people with mental disorders are more likely to be perpetrators than victims is debunked in the study. De Vries shows that the vulnerability of this group is related to their psychotic symptoms. Hallucinations and delusions can impair their ability to assess danger, making them easy targets for perpetrators of violence.

In addition to psychological symptoms, factors such as poverty and homelessness also play an important role. These individuals often live in unsafe neighborhoods and have weaker social networks.

In her research, De Vries also tested the BEATVIC intervention, in which psychomotor kickboxing training was used to increase the resilience of people with psychosis. Although the method seemed promising, the results showed that there was no reduction in victimization compared to the control group.

De Vries advocates for more attention to be given to this vulnerable group. "People with psychosis are too often overlooked when it comes to their risk of victimization," she says. Her research highlights the urgent need for preventive measures and effective support for people with psychotic disorders.

Read more