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Anger and aggression in psychiatric outpatients.
Michael A Posternak1, Mark Zimmerman
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA. mposternak@lifespan.org
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|August 29, 2002
Summary
Anger and aggression are common in psychiatric outpatients, affecting about half of individuals. These symptoms are as prevalent as depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for clinical screening.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Assesses the prevalence of anger and aggression in psychiatric outpatients.
- Compares the prominence of anger to depression and anxiety in this population.
- Investigates the association between specific psychiatric disorders and anger/aggression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the degree of anger and aggression in psychiatric outpatients.
- To determine if anger is as prominent as depression and anxiety.
- To identify Axis I and Axis II disorders linked to increased anger and aggression.
Main Methods:
- 1300 outpatients underwent semistructured interviews for DSM-IV Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Subjective anger and aggression levels were assessed over the preceding week.
- Odds ratios and multiple regression analyses identified contributing psychiatric disorders.
Main Results:
- ~50% of outpatients reported moderate-to-severe subjective anger.
- ~25% exhibited aggressive behavior in the past week.
- Major depressive disorder, bipolar I, intermittent explosive disorder, and cluster B personality disorders were independently associated with anger and aggression.
Conclusions:
- Anger and aggression are highly prevalent in psychiatric outpatients, potentially rivaling depression and anxiety.
- Clinicians should routinely screen for anger and aggressive behaviors.
- Identifying associated disorders can inform targeted treatment strategies.