Most patients with stable mental illness do not present an increased risk of aggressive behavior; however, they are frequently victims of violent acts. The aggression by patients predominantly occurs in patients with psychotic disorder, bipolar affective disorder or in patients with organic brain damage.
Almost every healthcare worker meets patients with aggressive behavior and -under these conditions - it is always necessary to keep in mind that the health of the healthcare professional is essential. Although this behavior takes place in our territory, ie in a hospital, we are not always fully prepared for dealing it.
In the current article we summarize the possibilities of primary prevention of violent behavior and strategies to prevent conflict escalation.