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Aggression in psychiatric hospitalized geriatric patients
Author(s) -
Meyer J.,
Schalock R.,
Genaidy H.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.930060807
Subject(s) - seclusion , aggression , intervention (counseling) , psychiatry , psychology , medicine , clinical psychology
Data are presented that summarize the antecedents and consequences of aggressive episodes among geriatric (60°+) patients. The most common antecedents included being asked to do something, with verbal intervention being the principal preceding intervention. The aggressive behaviors were directed at staff slightly more often than towards another patient, with seclusion being the primary intervention used. Among diagnostic groups, geriatric patients diagnosed as schizophrenic or organically mentally disordered exhibited more aggression than similarly diagnosed non‐geriatric patients. Aggressive episodes were more frequently exhibited during the day shift (7 am—3 pm) and during winter, with significantly fewer during the fall. Environmentally based, less restrictive intervention strategies are also discussed.