Abstract

This chapter examines violence and aggressive behaviour in psychiatric populations. The result indicate that two major psychoses, schizophrenia and mood disorders, can involve increased aggressive behaviour. Mental and behavioural problems originating in childhood, such as mental retardation and hyperactivity, may also include excessive aggressive behaviour. This chapter explains that intermittent explosive disorder, which includes outbursts of assaultive behaviours, has many characteristics resembling those of seizures associated with aggression. It also explores various treatment methods for brain dysfunction.