How to manage violence in people with schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia rarely resort to violence with strangers. Their behavior mainly affects their family and friends. If your loved one with schizophrenia starts to show signs of becoming violent, seek help from a medical professional immediately.

Psychiatrists use risk assessment tools to determine a patient’s tendency toward violence. They account for factors like substance abuse, a history of violence, general behavior, and the patient’s understanding of their condition. 

If a patient does get violent, doctors typically use schizophrenia treatment strategies to manage symptoms and their behavior. Schizophrenia treatment includes:

Antipsychotic medications

Antipsychotic medications can help manage psychotic symptoms. Doctors can prescribe these as either daily pills or monthly injections. Patients who tend to get violent are usually treated with the antipsychotic medicine clozapine. It effectively reduces aggression and violent behavior. 

Psychosocial treatments

For people with schizophrenia, cognitive behavioral therapy helps address negative symptoms. Cognitive remediation therapy can help manage cognitive symptoms. Skills training and supported employment may also help people with schizophrenia stick to a daily routine. If a person is violent and has a substance abuse problem, they’ll be rehabilitated to treat these underlying concerns.

Family therapy and support

Family members and friends of people with schizophrenia should be educated about the condition, including its symptoms and treatments. There are several programs and support groups to help you learn how to assist your loved one with schizophrenia. 

Coordinated specialty care

Coordinated specialty care involves treatment programs to help people in the early stages of schizophrenia work toward recovery. It can include:

• Psychotherapy
• Medication management
• Help with employment and education
• Family support

Assertive community treatment

Assertive community treatment is a program for people with schizophrenia who are at risk of repeated hospitalization or homelessness. The programs typically provide coordinated care from — and frequent contact with — a team of medical professionals.