General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I have a brother with schizophrenia and I am sick of the bigotry against the mentally ill [View all]Lee-Lee
(6,324 posts)But we can't let sensitivity get into the way of rational discussion.
Fact is, statistics bear out, people with schizophrenia are much more likely to be convicted of assault of homicide. Some of that may lie in a higher conviction rate because they likely can't afford good representation or contribute well to their own defense, sure- but not enough to account for a 10x differential. I know many practitioners are very hesitant to actually come out and say as much for fear or stigmatizing everyone with a diagnoses, they dance around it, but the raw numbers still show it.
I am not claiming everyone with schizophrenia is a monster, or even more dangerous. I am saying that the statistics point out they are more likely to harm others, and my experience is congruent with that.
And yes, my experience different than many others. Most only experience this with one or two loved ones, seeing them all the time, where I have experienced it with dozens or more and only saw them at their worst.
FWIW, we were trained at least somewhat to de-escalate whenever possible. I wish we had more training than we got. That is a lot easier when you know going in what you are dealing with, much harder when you come across the random person in a psychotic break with no idea of their background or history or the caregivers won't give you an accurate history.