Several studies suggest that people with serious mental illness represent a higher risk of violent acting out than the general population.

To evaluate the prevalence of violent behavior in psychiatric patients and compare the group of patients who committed violent acts with nonviolent patients to identify risk factors for violence.

A retrospective-comparative study was conducted among 160 patients hospitalized in the psychiatric service D of the hospital Razi during the period between 1 July 2011 and 15 October 2011.

Among the patients in our sample 78.75% (N = 126) had submitted an act of violence during the month before hospitalization. The male gender was correlated with violence (OR = 2.7). History of violence and criminal history had significant correlations with violence with OR = 2.5. Schizophrenia diagnosis was the most represented among the mentally ill violent. Monitoring irregular and poor adherence to treatment were important risk factors with OR = 2.6. Addictive behavior was found among 49.2% of violent patients. Substance use was correlated with violence (OR = 4.5).

It is interesting to note that in recent years the interest of clinicians to the question of violence among the mentally ill has increased. There is also an evolution of psychiatric practice with dimensions of legal framework more rigorous. Clinicians and forensics must continue to work together in this area.