Although aggression is not a problem in the majority of psychiatric patients, it is
common. Aggression is an important component of the behaviors characteristic of at
least eight psychiatric classifications in the DSM-IV (see p. 40). This chapter will
discuss some of these classifications. As previously, we include some background in-
formation to inform readers unfamiliar with this subject.

We will describe both behavioral and drug-based approaches to treating aggres-
sion. Some of the behavioral treatments should be recognized from principles and ap-
plications described earlier.

Although the present chapter is organized around specific psychiatric classifica-
tions involving aggression, readers should be aware that such aggression may occur
in relation to a variety of environmental situations, including those discussed in the
previous three chapters. That is not to say that all the aggression in these chapters is
the result of some psychiatric disturbance. However, some of it certainly is related.

The realization that some psychiatric disorders may include problems with ag-
gressive behaviors is important for ensuring the safety of both professionals and
laypeople who interact with psychiatric patients. Recognition of the possibility for
aggressive behaviors will help them take appropriate precautions. On the other hand,
to a great extent the general public is far too ready to assume that psychiatric patients

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