Psychiatric patient assaults on healthcare providers are an ongoing risk in all types of psychiatric settings, including private practice (1). A recent 46-year review of studies of assaultive psychiatric patients indicates that younger, male patients with diagnoses of both schizophrenia and substance use disorder presented the greatest risk (2). The research community has understandably focused […]
By: Dr. Raymond B. Flannery Jr.Previous blogs in this series have documented the ongoing issue of psychiatric patient assaults on healthcare staff (January 16, 2015, and January 30, 2018). This is a worldwide occupational hazard. A recent 62-year analysis of this research (1) noted that patients with schizophrenia and substance use disorder are the more frequent assailants. This blog examines […]
By: Dr. Raymond B. Flannery Jr.From time to time, the news media report on a suicide. The public often assume that the deceased was confronted and overwhelmed by some significant major life event. Most then move on. But loved ones and friends may face additional stress and questions. Some might hold themselves responsible for not doing more to prevent the […]
By: Dr. Raymond B. Flannery Jr.In Profiles in Mental Health Courage Patrick J. Kennedy and Stephen Fried explore mental health and substance abuse in the United States. This is a compelling and humane approach.
By: Evander Lomke
Ours is a turbulent and challenging age with many major cultural shifts seemingly happening all at once. A few examples: world powers jockey for dominance, civil rights and other rights’ advocates compete to be heard, major social shifts occurred in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic with its many impacts isolating persons from each other, […]
By: Dr. Raymond B. Flannery Jr.
“If it bleeds, it leads” is a common expression among news reporters preparing evening-news programs across the country. These news stories usually emerge in response to critical incidents, such as natural disasters and various acts of human violence. These are the incidents to which first responders are called. These are also the critical events that […]
By: Dr. Raymond B. Flannery Jr.
I remember Uncle Harry in my younger days as a happy, hard-working husband and father of two. Outgoing and gregarious, he was always upbeat and helpful. He enjoyed his public-works job as a way to help his community, he idolized his family, and he would do anything to help others. But it changed. It changed […]
By: Dr. Raymond B. Flannery Jr.
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