Systematic Search and Review: Management and Prevention of Agitation and Aggression in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Setting

Abstract

Objectives:

The objective of this review is to review existing evidence on the management and prevention of agitation and aggression in the pediatric psychiatric inpatient setting with emphasis on general unit structure, organization, and milieu programming when discussing prevention. For management of agitation and aggression, the review focuses on de-escalation, as-needed medication, and restraint and seclusion.

Methods:

The existing literature search was conducted, yielding 1836 English language citations. An additional 109 studies were identified by citation search. Among them, 287 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility, and 107 studies were included for review. Studies were included if the contents of studies were shown to prevent agitation or aggression in pediatric psychiatric inpatient units, with focuses on staffing, staff training, milieu programming, and environmental changes. Studies were also included if the contents of studies discussed management of agitation and aggression with focuses on de-escalation, restraint and seclusion, and as-needed medication use.

Results:

We recognized multiple challenges while summarizing existing evidence in our field, including lack of definition, knowledge, and standardized measurement of agitation and aggression. Challenges further extend to heterogeneity and a constellation of small studies that are not controlled. However, existing evidence supports that management and prevention of agitation and aggression start with attention to staffing, staff training, and milieu programming. Evidence for the use of as-needed (pro re nata) medication for the management of agitation and aggression in pediatric populations is limited.