In the latest report we shared some information about whether mental illness is linked to violent actions, and here is an interview with one of the most successful psychiatrists in the city of Mansoura, a consultant psychiatrist and addiction treatment, Royal Member of the College of Psychiatrists of England. He holds an Arab fellowship in psychiatry, a master’s degree in psychiatry and neurological diseases.

Written by: Rawan Reda 20060321

Q. Is there a relationship between mental illness and violence?

A. There are many studies to prove or deny the relationship of mental illness and violence, and no single doctor can acknowledge the existence or absence of a relationship. It is possible for a doctor to determine based on his patients that there is a relationship, and another doctor denies that as he sees that there is no relationship at all. Scientifically, however, studies have unanimously agreed that there is no strong relationship between violence and mental illness. On the contrary, most mentally ill patients are victims of violence, not its causes.

Q. What are the causes of violence in general?

A. Violence is an innate tendency from birth and since the beginning of creation. It is present in children even if he has not seen or been exposed to any violence. The desire for violence remains present in all people(males and females), but it evolves into different forms. From the beginning of hysterical crying to murders, they all fall under one tendency, which is violence. The difference is that the more mature a person is, the more he is able to control this desire.

As for psychological and mental illnesses, violence has other causes, such as: The causes of anxiety and high tension in a person can cause a high level of anger, and thus lead to violence.

Some cases are like delusions: the patient imagines that he is in danger or exposed to harm from an individual or a group. In this case, the patient resorts to attacking, not because he wants to attack or that there is an impulse to violence to satisfy a specific desire, but rather, from his perspective, it is self-defense.

Also, patients with auditory hallucinations: Sometimes the patient hears a voice that does not exist at all, speaking to him and ordering him to harm someone.

Q. Do you agree that the societal view of the mental patient can affect his actions to the point of violence?

A. This is a world wide condition not only on Egypt. The stigma that falls on the mentally ill, makes him completely unable to face and bear this stigma, or to be called that he is being treated psychologically, no matter how minor the disease.

This often makes a person reach the edge between facing his illness and treating it or accepting society’s view of him as an abnormal person, which will affect his job, his social and emotional life, and all other aspects. Therefore, failure of treating the problem leads to an exacerbation.

contact: https://www.facebook.com/Agiad.Psych?mibextid=LQQJ4d

clinic number: 01090012223

Rawan Reda/ A healthier you.