Abstract
An increasing number of patients now enter hospitals voluntarily with chief complaints of episodic violence, impulsiveness, and destructive urges. Proper evaluation of these patients is often difficult, particularly when the patient is extremely agitated. This communication furnishes guidelines for handling violent patients when they enter a hospital facility. The physician's job has not ended when the patient's acute anxiety has been abated and/or hospitalization has been arranged. If possible, the etiology of the patient's violence should also be established. Are the patient's problems caused by neurological difficulties, psychiatric difficulties, or both? This communication shows how a careful history can help the physician determine whether neurological and/or psychiatric consultations are advisable.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
