The determinants of aggression and violence among psychiatric patients: a review

Aggression and violence are frequently experienced both in the community and the institutions. General attempts have been made to categorize research literature on aggressive behavior in animal as in man. Most of the studies are often deficient in the description and categorization of human aggressive behaviours and there is no well-defined status provided for these behaviors by modern nosography. The determinants of violence involve many levels and require psychological, dynamic and socio-environmental approaches but also extensive investigation into the underlying biological mechanisms.