VIOLENCE AND PSYCHOGERIATRIC INPATIENTS

The characteristics of all the patients admitted to an acute psychogeriatric admission ward over a 24-month period were examined. The patients who had been responsible for acts of violence on the ward were compared with those who had not. Violent patients were likely to be younger, not to be depressed, to have dementia, and to be discharged to a more dependent setting, particularly a long-stay psychogeriatric ward. The implication of this for adequate provision of psychiatric and social services is discussed. Levels of violence were low with only a small number of patients exhibiting violent behaviour.