Ways and means of control of agitated and violent behavior in psychiatry practice

Abstract

Authors describe a classification of agitation and violent behavior, mechanisms of its control and methods of psychological first aid and pharmacotherapy. The treatment strategies of acute/persistent nonpsychotic and acute/persistent psychotic agitation and violent behavior with benzodiazepines, antipsychotic medications, antidepressive medications, beta blockers and thymoprophylactics are further discussed.

Keywords

• aggression
• violence
• pharmacotherapy
• benzodiazepines
• antipsychotics
• antidepressive medications
• beta blockers
• thymoprophylactics