Neurol. praxi. 2022;23(6):432-436 | DOI: 10.36290/neu.2022.057

Agitated and aggressive patient in neuropsychiatry: Are we using non-pharmacological procedures correctly?

prof. MUDr. Jan Vevera, Ph.D.

Psychiatrická klinika, Lékařská fakulta v Plzni, Univerzita Karlova

Psychiatrická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Plzeň

Almost every healthcare worker meets patients with aggressive behavior, Deescalation is the way of behavior and communication which leads to a decrease of tension in the patient as well as caregivers. The first important step is an assessment of the situation. The safety of healthcare professional is essential. It is important to be aware of our own reactions, stay calm and find out real causes of agitation and violence. The second step is a correct communication based on informing patient about what happens and will happen which enhances his trust., don´t give an impulsive answer and identify the reason of patient's agitation. The consistency of verbal and nonverbal communication is of most importance. The third step is a negotiation, which primary aim is to change the confrontation to the discussion. We have to reach a consensus with the patient. To facilitate communication, it is advisable to provide the patient with at least some degree of control. The proper use of the deescalation of violence can prevent escalation of the conflict and avoid a patient´s traumatization.

Keywords: agitated patient, deescalation, assessment of the situation, violence, nonverbal communication, verbal communication, negotiation.

Received: September 14, 2022; Revised: September 14, 2022; Accepted: September 14, 2022; Prepublished online: September 14, 2022; Published: December 2, 2022  Show citation