A 16-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Office for a Routine

A 16-year-old boy is brought to the office for a routine health maintenance examination.  The mother discloses concerns about his recent irritability and "moodiness."  He was recently bullied at school, got into a fistfight, and was suspended for 10 days.  The patient has also been caught using marijuana and alcohol.  Last month he was assaulted by a group of teenagers while walking home late at night.  He is learning to box and also takes his mother's gun to a shooting range to practice so he can protect himself and her if needed.  The patient spends his spare time in the evenings playing violent video games.  Family history is significant for an uncle with schizophrenia and an aunt with bipolar disorder.  His father used physical punishment to discipline him as a child.  Which of the following factors is most concerning for this patient's future risk of committing homicide?

A) Exposure to violent video games
B) Family history of mental illness
C) Firearm in the home
D) History of assault-related injury
E) History of being bullied
F) Involvement in violent sports
G) Parental use of physical punishment
H) Substance use

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free