[Experiences with handling violence in the psychiatric clinic]

Open or hidden violence tends to be ubiquitous in the psychiatric hospital. It causes tensions, anxiousness, burnout, and much human suffering. Especially exposed are psychiatric nurses. In the present paper observations and experiences with violence are presented: dealing with disruptive patients needs intensive and periodical training although violence should not be accepted as a common daily phenomenon. Over-stimulation by crowded wards and noise, but also lack of occupation are important triggers. Victims should be given solidarity by peers and superiours, whereas analyses of the events tend to cause further trauma. Finally it should be kept in mind that victims often suffer from posttraumatic stress disorders.