Centre for Policy on Ageing



Characteristics of aggressive subjects in Australian (Melbourne) nursing homes
Author(s)	Ajit Shah, Edmond Chiu, David Ames
Journal title	International Psychogeriatrics, vol 12, no 2, June 2000
Pages	pp 145-162
Keywords	Aggression ; Patients [nursing homes] ; Evaluation ; Australia.
Annotation	Aggressive behaviour is common in nursing homes. It also causes distress to carers and can lead to hospitalisation, over-medication, and physical restraint. A 6-month study examined the characteristics of aggressive subjects in 11 nursing homes in Melbourne, Australia. During the study, 121 were rated aggressive on the Rating Scale for Aggressive Behaviour in the Elderly, and 143 on the Staff Observation Aggression Scale. Aggressive behaviour was associated with younger age, men, subsequent mortality, and prescription of psychotropic drugs including neuroleptics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Training staff in administering psychotropic drugs may be of value, as these drugs have modest efficacy, have significant side effects, and may simply sedate the patient rather than treat the aggressive behaviour. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-001109510 A
Classmark	EPB: LHB:LF: 4C: 7YA
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.