Agitation and aggression are frequent behavioral manifestations of persons diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. Data from the Epidemiological Catchment Area study indicate that persons with schizophrenia have afour-fold increase for the risk of violent behavior in a 1-year period. Additional research indicates that acute psychosis is a consistent riskfactorfor the occurrence of violence; approximately 10% ofpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia display assaultive behavior within 2 weeks before hospital admission. In addition, 20% to 30% ofpatients who display psychotic symptoms engage in threats, verbal aggression, and property damage within the same period. Once hospitalized, 10% to 15% of these patients become physically assaultive, and 30% to 35% engage infear-inducing behaviors. Clearly, the management of aggression in patients with schizophrenia is an important consideration for nurses working with this population.
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