Violent incidents in a secure unit

Abstract

All aggressive incidents occurring in a medium secure unit of 30 beds were examined over a period of 3 years. The characteristics of aggressive patients and the most serious incidents which caused physical harm were analysed. The study demonstrated that admission to a medium secure unit is itself the best indicator of violent behaviours. Some 75 per cent of all patients exhibited violent behaviour and diagnosis or legal status was not a predictor of this. Monitoring the levels of aggression had some effect on the management of violence. Two out of every three incidents involved a physical threat or actual blow and 4.5 per cent of all incidents resulted in medical treatment of the victim. The clinic admitted a high proportion of patients diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia, yet this category of patient was underrepresented in the data for violent incidents. Those with personality disorder were as likely as anyone to display violence.