Vancouver/Richmond EPI
Early Psychosis Intervention

Do I have a problem?

Treatment and Recovery

For Families

Coping with Stress and Crises

Learning Resources

About Us
Contact Us
Disclaimer
Gallery


Aggression

Definition:

Verbal or physical acting out in a destructive, threatening or violent manner.

Causes:

  • Fear
  • Misinterpretation of intent of others: person thinks they are in danger
  • Too much stimulation
  • Psychosis
  • Drugs and alcohol: lower impulse control
  • Loss of personal power and control: person feels they have no choices and no freedom

A PAST HISTORY OF VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSION IS A PREDICTOR OF AGGRESSION

SUCCESSFUL LIMIT SETTING

Keep it simple:

  • Watch non-verbal behaviour
  • Provide room for the person so they don't feel crowded

Give choices:

  • "You can stop yelling or you can take time out in your room"

Lower Stimulation:

  • Turn off radio and tv and stereo
  • Reduce room lights
  • Have one person appointed as spokesman
  • Have only 2 others in the room with you

Be Clear:

  • Clearly describe behaviours that are unacceptable
  • Don't ignore or minimize concerns
  • Don't explain, defend, argue, debate
  • Speak quietly, calmly
  • Keep a safe distance

Enforceable:

  • Clearly describe consequences and be sure that you will be able to enforce them
  • Be realistic
  • Apply consequences immediately
  • Avoid power struggles

Reasonable:

  • Be calm, factual, non-punitive
  • Target only important issues
  • Don't remind them of all the things they've done wrong in the past
  • Maintain safety
  • Avoid making it a public issue (don't discuss in front of a lot of other people)
  • Consider if the person will be able to follow through with what you've discussed
  • Have a plan ahead of time if you can
  • After the incident, when the person is calm and able, discuss what happened and what changes might be made in the future to prevent a repeat

Top of Page