Aggressive behavior in patients hospitalised for a psychotic relapse

Abstract

Introduction Patients in psychotic relapse may exhibit violent behavior towards objects, themselves or others. These behaviors, although usually unconscious, are a common reason for hospitalization and a source of rejection and stigmatization by family and society. Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of aggressive behavior in relapsed inpatients with schizophrenia in the F psychiatry department at the Razi Hospital in Tunisia. Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of fifty male patients hospitalized for a psychotic relapse who were naïve or discontinuing treatment for at least two months. Patients were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire and the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS). Results The age of the patients included ranged from 17 to 65 years, with an average of 36.4±11.51 years. More than half of the patients were without occupation (58%, N= 29). For personnal history : Seven patients (14%) had attempted suicide ; Eight patients (16%) showed evidence of self-harm ; Thirteen patients (26%) had a history of arrests of which eleven (22%) were incarcerated.The OAS score ranged from to 0 to 35 with a mean at 9.7+/- 10.3. Twenty-seven patients were aggressive (54%). Conclusions Preventive strategies should focus more on predicting the aggressive potential of patients with schizophrenia and its socio-professional implication. Perhaps when using a less holistic approach to the disease and when approaching aggressive behavior as a symptom in its own right, we will be able to find other alternative options. Disclosure of Interest None Declared