Substance Abuse Associated with Aggressive/Violent Behaviors in Psychiatric Outpatients and Related Psychotropic Prescription

Abstract Psychiatric disorders with substance abuse are considered the leading causes of most violent and aggressive behaviors in general population. This study was aimed to assess impact therapeutic approaches adopted by psychiatrists vs non-aggressive outpatients ( n = 400) attending community-based psychiatric services recruited over a 3-year period. Clinical variables were collected from medical records Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) used any aggressive/violent behavior. Violent significantly higher alcohol abusers compared non-abusers p < 0.01), except for heroin abusers. Mean weighted MOAS score patients taking antipsychotics 0.005). The administration Haloperidol, Zuclopenthixol, Clozapine more frequent than patients. frequently administered drug these Haloperidol (23.91%), mean daily dosage non-violent Our results confirm well-established relationship between inpatients also within outpatient community services. Observed rates prescribed did not show preference newer generation compounds, clinicians operating setting likely being need further evidence specific training support their treatment choice.