Risk Factors
Name 3 risk factors.
What is:
Skipping medication, missing programs/groups, interpersonal conflict, disrupted sleep, substance use, life transitions/stressors, impulsivity, poor coping skills
What is a Conditional Release Plan?
What is:
A court-ordered set of conditions an NGI-acquitted individual must follow while living in the community.
Name 1 thing a risk assessment is used to evaluate.
What is:
Likelihood of future violence, treatment progress, appropriateness for continued conditional release.
What is a protective factor?
What is:
A characteristic/circumstance that reduces the likelihood of future violence or relapse.
What is treatment adherence?
What is:
Following through on prescribed treatment (e.g., medication, therapy, appointments) consistently.
True or false: Once a risk factor is identified, it stays the same forever.
What is:
False: risk factors can fluctuate and be changed through targeted intervention.
Name 2 common violations of a CRP.
What is:
Using substances, refusing therapy services, discontinuing medication, violating curfew, missing court hearings, missed appointments, unauthorized contact with victim, leaving county without permission.
Name 2 ways you can prepare for your risk assessment.
What is:
Attend groups/programs, medication compliance, practice coping skills, learn your CRP, avoid fights/altercations, seek support when needed, review your treatment goals, get adequate sleep, practice calmly discussing your history.
Name 1 protective factor related to your daily routine once discharged.
What is:
Employment, school, structured activities, consistent schedule, adequate sleep, social support.
Name 2 signs of good treatment adherence.
What is:
Taking medication as prescribed, attending appointments, being honest with providers, following through on recommendations, cooperating with treatment.
Name 2 risk factors related to your thinking or mood.
What is:
Negative mood, cognitive distortions, hostility, impulsivity, limited insight, hopelessness, symptoms of mental illness.
Name 2 people or agencies typically involved in monitoring a CRP.
What is:
Case manager, treatment team, forensic monitor, court, probation-type supervisor.
Name 2 things you should be prepared to discuss during a risk assessment.
What is:
Your history, current symptoms, substance use, thoughts of harm, treatment compliance, recent events.
Name 2 protective factors related to relationships/support.
What is:
Supportive family, positive peer influence, therapeutic alliance, strong sponsor/mentee relationship, healthy romantic relationships, effective communication skills.
Name one strategy to help you remember to take medication consistently.
What is:
Pill organizer, phone alarm, reminder app, calendar reminder, pairing with a daily routine, pharmacy blister packs.
Name 2 risk factors that involve other people or your environment.
Unstable housing, conflict, lack of support, negative peer influence, access to substances/weapons.
What should you do if you think you might not be able to meet one of your CRP conditions?
What is:
Notify your case manager/treatment team immediately before the violation occurs. Reach out for help or support.
If you have a history of violence/aggression, during your risk assessment you should:
What is:
Be open and honest. Honesty demonstrates insight.
How can strong coping skills act as a protective factor?
What is:
They help you manage stress/triggers without resorting to maladaptive behaviors, substance use, or aggression.
Why might someone stop taking their medication, even when it's working?
What is:
Side effects, feeling "cured," denial of illness, forgetfulness, stigma.
Name 2 risk factors specifically related to substance use.
What is:
Active intoxication, withdrawal, relapse, access to substances, using substances to cope, surrounded by peer groups who use substances, life stressors.
What is one possible consequence of violating your CRP?
What is:
Revocation of conditional release and return to the hospital/incarceration.
Leading up to your risk assessment, how can consistent participation in treatment affect the outcome?
What is:
It demonstrates stability, insight, progress, and adherence, which can support a lower risk determination and suggest higher compliance with the CRP.
Name 4 protective factors.
What is:
Social support, medication adherence, attending therapy/group/program services, spirituality/religion, family support, secure housing, secure employment, adaptive coping skills.
Name 2 consequences of poor treatment adherence for someone on a CRP.
What is:
Symptom relapse, increased risk of violation, possible revocation, increased risk factors, incarceration, return to hospital.