Victimisation in other- and self-directed violence as a function of ethnicity and primary diagnosis among inpatients with serious mental illness

Background: Among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), victimisation has been found to increase the risk of engaging in other- and self-directed violence. However, rates of victimisation within this population have been found to vary by ethnic group and primary diagnosis. Aims: This study primarily aimed to examine the relationship between victimisation and other- and self-directed violence among a sample of inpatients with SMI during the first 3 months of admission. The role of ethnicity and primary diagnosis were also explored. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilised data from South London and Maudsley’s (SLaM) anonymised database. Participants ( n = 7,265) were aged over 18 upon admission, of White British, Black African, Black Caribbean or Asian ethnicity and had a primary diagnosis of major mood disorder, mania or psychosis. Results: Among a sample of inpatients with SMI, victimisation increased the risk of other-directed violence but not self-directed violence. While Black African ethnicity was associated with an increased risk of other-directed violence, all minority ethnic groups had a decreased risk of self-directed violence compared to White British ethnicity. Those with a primary diagnosis of mania or psychosis were observed to be at increased risk of other-directed violence and decreased risk of self-directed violence compared to those with a major mood disorder. Conclusions: Inpatients with SMI who have experienced victimisation are at an increased risk of engaging in other-directed violence during the first 3 months of admission.