Impulsivity, Depression and Aggression among Psychiatric Patients

Abstract

Aggression in inpatient facilities can generally be conceptualized as an interaction between an individual and the environment in which he or she finds themselves. The aim of this study was to assess impulsivity, depression and aggression among psychiatric patients. Descriptive correlational research design was used in this study. A convenient sample of 100 psychiatric patients from Beni-Ahmad psychiatric hospital in El-Minia, governorate, four tools were utilized to measure the study variables; Personal and clinical data Questionnaires, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Aggression Questionnaire. Results of the study revealed that, 79% of the patients were in the age group from 20-35 years, 63% of the patients were males, and 52% of the patients were not working, 42% of the patients were schizophrenic, 56% of patients had moderate impulsivity, 58% of patients had extreme level of depression and 51% of the patients had severe level of aggression. In conclusion, more than half of psychiatric patients had moderate impulsivity level, extreme level of depression and severe level of aggression. There were positive correlations between impulsivity, depression and aggression. This study recommended developing and implementing psychosocial program to decrease impulsivity, depression and aggression among the psychiatric patients.

Keywords: Impulsivity/ Depression /Aggression / psychiatric patients.