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Implementation of anger management interventions in a psychiatric intensive care unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2010

Heather Wilson ,
Libby Barton  and
Tess Maguire
Heather Wilson*
Affiliation:
Mayflower Ward, Department of Psychiatry, RSH, Southampton, UK
Libby Barton
Affiliation:
Mayflower Ward, Department of Psychiatry, RSH, Southampton, UK
Tess Maguire
Affiliation:
Mayflower Ward, Department of Psychiatry, RSH, Southampton, UK
*
Correspondence to: Heather Wilson, Occupational Therapy Department, Antelope House, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 0YG, UK. Tel: 02380 835549; E-mail: heather.wilson@hantspt-sw.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Evidence suggests violence and aggression are key reasons for admission to Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). Research and national guidelines highlight the potential benefits of anger management interventions in this setting, however such interventions are often only offered in a minimal number of units. This paper describes the implementation of a two session cognitive behaviour therapy informed anger management intervention within a PICU setting. Twelve service users completed the sessions. There was a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of violent and aggressive incidents instigated by these patients in the two week period post intervention compared to the two weeks prior. It is possible that participation in anger management sessions contributed to the reduction in violence and aggression; however, large scale, longer term research is necessary controlling for other contributing variables, in order to establish the true effectiveness of this approach.

Keywords

PICUanger management
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care , Volume 7 , Issue 1 , June 2011 , pp. 35 - 39
Copyright
Copyright © NAPICU 2011

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