Abstract
Aim of the study: This study tried to identify risk factors of aggressive behavior in a population of schizophrenic inpatients. We tested the association between aggressive behavior and socio-demographic characteristics, addictive disorders, history of suicide attempt, and sexual violence, impulsivity, and sensation seeking.Methods: All consecutive schizophrenic inpatients (100) were assessed during 6 months. Aggressive behavior was quantified with a standardized scale, the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS). We studied socio-demographic characteristics and the history of suicide attempt and sexual violence with a specific standardized questionnaire. Addictive disorders were identified with the Fagerström and CAGE questionnaires and with the DSM-IV-R diagnostic criteria for nicotine, alcohol, cannabis opiates, and cocaine abuse and dependence disorders. Lastly, we studied sensation seeking with the Zuckerman scale and impulsivity with the Barratt scale.Results: Linear regression identified four factors associated with aggressive behavior: male gender (odd ratio = 12.8), history of sexual violence (odd ratio = 3.6), Fagerström score (odd ratio = 1.3), number of cigarettes smoked each day (odd ratio = 1.16). Patients with nicotine use or dependence had significantly higher levels of OAS scores. This difference was not observed between patients with or without alcohol dependence. OAS scores were correlated to the number of cigarettes smoked each day and to Fagerström scores. Patients with a higher level of sensation seeking and impulsivity also had higher OAS scores.Conclusion: A typical schizophrenic patient at risk of showing aggressive behavior is a man, who smokes and presents a history of sexual violence.
Highlights
For professionals who treat addictive and psychiatric patients, aggressive behavior represents a risk to prevent [1]
Linear regression identified four factors associated with aggressive behavior: male gender, history of sexual violence, Fagerström score, number of cigarettes smoked each day
AIM OF THE STUDY In order to continue the risk factors analysis of aggressive behavior in schizophrenic patients, we studied a population of schizophrenic inpatients
Summary
For professionals who treat addictive and psychiatric patients, aggressive behavior represents a risk to prevent [1]. Aggression can be divided into affective and predatory violence. Affective violence involves hostile behavior as a reaction to some perceived threat, either from the environment or from an internal sense of fear. The predator usually has no remorse and is comfortable using aggressive behavior to retaliate against others, gain a sense of control, or obtain a desired goal [2]. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS The Epidemiologic Catchment Area study showed aggressive behavior in the general population being associated with younger age groups. A past history of aggression is the single best predictor of future violent behavior. Present and past sexual violence increases the risk of aggressive behavior [5]
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