The impact of outpatient commitment on violent offending in people with mental disorder: A matched cohort study

The alleged dangerousness of people with mental disorder has long justified their segregation and involuntary treatment. In light of concerns about the capacity of mental health services to meet their clients' needs, outpatient commitment has been promoted as an effective means by which to reduce patient violence. But despite its widespread use, evidence demonstrating its effectiveness is limited. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of outpatient commitment in reducing violence among people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. The results have implications for violence prevention and patient welfare.