Psychological models of psychosis: Implications for risk assessment

Abstract

This paper explores various approaches to risk assessment in a mentally ill population. The need to consider both static and dynamic (e.g. specific psychotic symptoms) aspects of risk is highlighted. Empirical findings regarding the link between specific psychotic symptoms and violent behaviour are viewed in the context of recently formulated psychological models of such symptoms. The authors propose that the most clinically useful approach to risk assessment in individual cases is to draw on both actuarial information and the psychological models of psychotic symptoms to inform a functional analysis of an individual's risk behaviour.

Key Words:

• psychosis
• risk assessment
• psychological models
• violence
• symptoms