Physical and verbal aggression on a psychiatric ward
A comparison study of staff and patient perceptions
I. PAVLIDIS, G. ANGELIDIS, TH. PANTAZI, M. BOUKTSI, I. GOLIA,
V. KARPOUZA, M.G. PAPADOPOULOU, A. KANISTRAS
3rd Psychiatric Ward, Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece

The aim of the study is to compare the views between the members of the staff who work in the Psychiatric Department (3rd Psychiatric Ward, Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece) and the patients who have been hospitalized in this, about the aggressive behaviour that occurs in the Ward.

Method: 52 patients and 28 members of the staff were called to express their opinion and answered to the same questions that involved: a. the possible causes of verbal and physical aggression; b. the sentimental consequences of this aggressive behaviour on themselves; c. personal experience on aggressive behaviour episodes and d. measures that could be taken to minimize this phenomenon.

Results: The analysis x² was used for the statistical analysis of the answers of both groups. Generally, no significant statistical differences were observed between the two groups, as for the causes of aggression. Most of the patients consider as being very important causes the sub-dose of necessary medication, the hospitalization of drug-dealers and alcohol abusers, or even psychotic patients, unemployment problems as well. The patients are affected by the aggressive behaviour shown, more, compared to the staff. A relative agreement is expressed as to the measures that need to be taken for the limitation of aggression. These mostly concern the checking of the patients for the possession of dangerous objects, the set-up of discussions between the staff/patients groups about the use of violence and also the immediate discouragement of the patients not to use toxic substances/alcohol in the Ward.

Conclusions: Both the verbal and the physical aggression in a Psychiatric Hospital can be caused by a variety of reasons, several of which can be predicted and dealt with. The patients and the staff are both affected negatively concerning their sentimental health, by the aggression. There is a need for organizing therapeutic/informative sessions for the reduction of the tension and for the information of the patients, so that they can solve their differences in a non-violent way.

Key words: Physical aggression, verbal aggression, psychiatric patients, Psychiatric Ward.