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Violent victimization in persons with severe mental illness has long-term adverse consequences. Little is known about the long-term prevalence of victimization in first episode psychosis, or about factors affecting victimization throughout the course of illness.

To assess the prevalence of violent victimization during a 10-year follow-up period in a group of first episode psychosis (FEP) patients, and to identify early predictors and risk factors for victimization.

A prospective design was used with comprehensive assessments of violent victimization, treatment variables and functioning at baseline and during 10-year follow-up. A clinical epidemiological sample of FEP patients (n = 298) was studied.

FEP patients in our study were at a 3.5 times greater risk of victimization as compared to the normal population. During the 10-year follow-up period, 23% of subjects fell victim to one or more violent assaults. Victimized patients …