Aggressive behaviour in schizophrenia: The role of psychopathology

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the psychopathological correlates of aggressive behaviour in schizophrenia. Method: Thirty-one aggressive patients in rehabilitation wards meeting DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia were compared with 31 matched non-aggressive patients in relation to their psychopathology using the Clinical Global Index (CGI), Positive and Negative Symptoms scale (PANSS) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Results: The aggressive group had significantly higher CGI, positive symptom, negative symptom, general psychopathology and total PANSS scores than the nonaggressive group, The two groups could be distinguished by three sets of symptoms: symptoms with verbal or/and physical aggression as part of their definition; symptoms suggesting frontal lobe impairment; and excitement. The two groups did not differ in their level of depressive symptomatology. Conclusions: The aggressive group were overall more ill than the non-aggressive group, and the former could be distinguished from the latter by certain aspects of their psychopathology.