Psychiatria pre prax 2/2007

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

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.