TY  -  JOUR
AU  -  Carabellese, Felice
AU  -  Candelli, Chiara
AU  -  Martinelli, Domenico
AU  -  La Tegola, Donatella
AU  -  Catanesi, Roberto
T1  -  Cannabis use and violent behaviour: a psychiatric patients cohort study in Southern Italy
PY  -  2013
Y1  -  2013-01-01
DO  -  10.1708/1228.13614
JO  -  Rivista di Psichiatria
JA  -  Riv Psichiatr
VL  -  48
IS  -  1
SP  -  43
EP  -  50
PB  -  Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
SN  -  2038-2502
Y2  -  2026/04/17
UR  -  http://dx.doi.org/10.1708/1228.13614
N2  -  An ample volume of research evidence supports the conclusion that drug use/abuse is correlated with violent behaviour. Some studies have shown that co-morbidity also appears to be predictive of violent behaviour. The research evidence indicates gender differences, while socio-economic and familial factors play a role, too. Method. 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 behaviour and b) cannabis use/abuse, psychopathology, and violent behaviour. 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 behaviour. 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 behaviour, especially self-inflicted injury. Evidence also emerged that other factors are implicated. This is consistent with the current literature proposing multi-causal explanations of violent behaviour.
ER  -