Citation

Tobias CR, Turns DM, Lippmann S, Pary R. South. Med. J. 1988; 81(5): 640-643.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Ky.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Southern Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3368816

Abstract

Violence is a common clinical problem that must be quickly assessed to be properly managed. The examiner should keep at a safe distance from the patient and conduct the interview in a firm but nonthreatening manner. Verbal intervention, pharmacotherapy, and occasionally, physical restraints are indicated as a first-line approach while treatment of the underlying medical or psychiatric abnormality is initiated. Once the violent patient is under control, management includes thorough diagnostic assessment, pharmacotherapy, careful psychotherapy, and mobilization of community resources.

Language: en