NCJ Number
95942
Date Published
1984
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Research on the frequency and patterns of violent behavior by psychiatric patients is reviewed, and the clinical management of the violent patient is discussed.
Abstract
Data indicate that violence among psychiatric patients is a significant problem that must be managed by mental health professionals. Surveys indicate that rates of assaultive behavior are higher among psychiatric patients just before, or at the time of, admission to hospitals -- that is, outside of hospitals. Rates of assaultive behavior for patients in admission studies were found to be higher for males than for females. Among patients residing in hospitals for long periods, nonparanoid schizophrenics had greater rates of assault than paranoid schizophrenics. Types of violence are considered, and sources of violence are examined. Guidelines for the management of violent psychiatric patients are presented, and should be developed by each institution. The guidelines range from recommendations about protection of the staff to the protection of the patient. Also cited is the need for the clinician to be skilled in immediately diagnosing the violent psychiatric patient in an emergency situation to determine whether verbal intervention or the use of external physical controls is appropriate. The long-term treatment of the nonpsychotic violent patient is also addressed. Thirty-nine references are included.