Citation

Ryden MB, Feldt KS, Oh HL, Brand K, Warne M, Weber E, Nelson J, Gross C. Arch. Psychiatr. Nurs. 1999; 13(4): 170-178.

Affiliation

University of Minnesota School of Nursing, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10478495

Abstract

This study examined relationships between aggressive behavior in cognitively impaired nursing home residents and physical restraints, psychoactive drugs, and placement on a secured unit. Data were obtained from 116 residents who were consistently aggressive as measured by the Ryden Aggression Scale 2. Subjects averaged 9.5 aggressive behaviors per day. Forty-seven percent of subjects were restrained, and 62% were regularly receiving psychoactive drugs. Use of restraints, antipsychotics, and placement on a secured unit were all significantly related to increased physical aggression scores. Four variables accounted for 23% of the variance in physical aggression scores: location on a secured unit, not receiving an antidepressant, being restrained, and number of psychotropic and/or anxiolytic medications administered. Significantly lower physical aggression scores were noted for subjects receiving antidepressants.

Language: en