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Psychometric Correlates of Episodic Violent Behaviour

A Multidimensional Neuropsychological Approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Dan Mungas
Dan Mungas*
Affiliation:
Departments of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Center, US Davis Medical Center, 2000 Stockton Blvd, Suite 210, Sacramento, Ca 95817, USA
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Abstract

Three groups of neuropsychiatric out-patients, homogeneous according to parameters of violent behaviour, were identified in a previous study using a cluster analysis procedure and compared in this study on psychometric variables. These groups were (a) a group manifesting frequent, impulsive violence (n = 35), (b) a non-violent group (n = 57), and (c) a group whose violent behaviour was much less frequent and severe than in the first group, and more provoked (n = 31). Impulsively violent patients showed language and visual-perceptual deficits, but no other neuropsychological or intellectual deficits. The MMPI F, K and Ma and MacAndrews Alcoholism scales and a perceptual organisation factor derived from the Holtzman Inkblot Test significantly discriminated groups. Results of this and the initial study have implications regarding psychological aspects of aggression and underlying biological mechanisms.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 152 , Issue 2 , February 1988 , pp. 180 - 187
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

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