[Aggressiveness in schizophrenia: prevalence, psychopathological and sociodemographic correlates]

In a retrospective study we evaluated the patient files of all schizophrenic patients (ICD-criteria) admitted to the psychiatric hospital of the university of Munich between 1990 - 1995 (N = 2093). Relevant sociodemographic, clinical and psychopathological data as assessed by means of the AMDP protocol were studied. 292 (14 %) of patients fullfilled the criterion aggression on admission. While there were few differences concerning many sociodemographic variables including, male schizophrenics were rated significantly more often to be aggressive than female schizophrenics. With respect to schizophrenic subtype disorganized patients were most likely to be aggressive. Psychopathological symptoms significantly associated with aggression were e.p. delusional ideas and disorganized thinking. Possible risk factors for aggression in schizophrenia and clinical implications are discussed.