Agression in Mental Illness

In recent years, aggression and violence are important phenomena which are an often topic of discussion and jeopardize person and community’s mental health. Aggression is a worldwide problem encountered in all centers where health care services are provided, including clinical psychiatric facilities and emergency departments. Although the tendency of each psychiatric patient to behave aggressively is different from the other, studies stated that the aggressive tendencies of the patients are not to be underestimated. It is crucial to determine the tendency of aggression, etiology, and risk factors of psychiatric patients for reducing the risk of the patient to harm himself or herself and his or her environment, and for preventing harmful behaviors. This review aimed to guide nurses in taking active roles in the treatment and care process of patients with risk for aggressive behaviors