j. Violent Behavior. Violent behavior is behavior that is potentially hazardous to
the patient/casualty or others. It is not peculiar to any one type of diagnosis.
5-3.
POSSIBLE PRECIPITATING FACTORS/CAUSES OF DISORIENTED,
CONFUSED, AND/OR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
Not only psychological, but also physical conditions, illnesses, and injuries are
common causes of behavioral emergencies. The following examples can produce
changes in the cerebral chemistry or tissue, disrupting the cerebral metabolism and
oxygenation which consequently leads to neurological dysfunction.
a. Medical illness.
(1) Organic brain syndrome (disruption of and impairment of function of brain
tissue from variety of causes).
(2)
Severe infection.
(3)
Cerebral or pulmonary emboli.
(4)
Electrolyte disorders.
(5)
Cancer.
b. Head trauma.
c. Hypoxia.
d. Personality disorders (for example, poor impulse control).
e. True neuropsychiatric illness.
(1) Paranoia. Paranoia is a form of psychosis characterized by delusions (of
grandeur, of persecution, and so forth).
(2) Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a psychosis characterized by delusions
and hallucinations marked withdrawal from interpersonal relations, severe deterioration of
personal habits, and bizarreness of gestures and speech.
f. Senile dementia in elderly.
g. Suicidal crisis.
h. Substance abuse.
(1)
Drugs (intoxication and withdrawal syndromes).
MD0549
5-3