Violence Risk Assessment

Violence risk assessment is a task central to the general practice of psychiatry. A number of approaches to risk assessment exist, including some based on pure clinical assessment, others based on historical risk factors, and those which combine these approaches. In addition, machine learning has led to new approaches and problems. There are a variety of instruments designed to help with violence risk assessment. Many risk factors for violence have been identified. The single strongest predictor for violence is psychopathy. No matter the experience of the provider or the quality of the instrument, however, risk of violence cannot be predicted with enough accuracy to justify any single approach. On the other hand, a thorough consideration of the risk factors in any psychiatric interview can reduce risk.