[Aggression in elderly persons with psychiatric disorders]

In recent years aggression among elderly patients with psychiatric disorders has become an area of scientific research. A review of 19 reports, mostly from the USA, shows that a great part of these people demonstrate aggression of varied intensity. It is often a very serious problem for family members and a reason for psychiatric admissions. The aggression-index in this population varies depending on the place of living from 14% in the community, 12%-48% in adult homes to more than 60% in psychiatric hospitals. Nearly half of demented patients show aggressive behaviour in different situations, often of extreme intensity. Some reports suggest aggression to be more common among men, but perhaps only in association with dementia.