[Schizophrenia and aggressive behaviour: the impact of catatonic phenomena]

Patients suffering from schizophrenic psychoses show an increased risk for aggressive and violent behaviour. This raises the question if such acts are associated with specific psychopathological symptoms such as catatonic features.

Based on clinical case reports, psychopathological symptoms and clinical course in five patients with schizophrenic psychoses and episodes of aggressive behaviour are described. In this connection, the role of catatonic features is analysed.

In the reported cases, aggressive behaviour patterns can be described as stable catatonic symptoms. Attempts to provide community-based treatment failed in each of these five patients.

General adult psychiatry should provide effective treatment strategies and adequate care systems for patients with psychosis, catatonic symptoms and aggression.