Violence in severe mental disorders: the association with age at onset and gender

Aim. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between perpetration and victimization of violence with gender and age at onset of mental disorders in patients with severe mental disorders. Methods. 216 patients were recruited and evaluated with the Italian version of the Karolinska Interpersonal Violence Scale. Results. We found higher levels of victimization of violence in women than men and more violence in patients with lower age at onset. Discussion. Gender and age at onset impact on violence in the adult life in a sample of patients with severe mental disorders. Conclusions. Our findings confirmed the need of an early diagnosis and gender-tailored management of interpersonal violence.