Relationship between psychiatric diagnosis and patient aggression.

Patient aggression is a common problem on psychiatric units. Recent research has focused on the relationship between aggressive behavior and various patient characteristics, including psychopathology. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between diagnostic groups and particular types of patient aggression in a state psychiatric hospital. A secondary analysis was performed on existing data. There was no significant difference noted among DSM III diagnoses in total patient aggression. However, there was a significant difference between individuals with organic disorders and individuals with paranoid schizophrenia in the category of physical aggression against other people. Improved ability to identify a particular diagnostic group with the potential for aggression will strengthen efforts to decrease the risk of patient aggression in psychiatric facilities.