"Pathological Aggression"
Patients display a pattern of aggressive behavior that occurs with little or no provocation. It is unplanned and impulsive, without either social or material gain. This behavior is intense, destructive and repetitive. The origin is often a brain dysfunction. The brain dysfunction produces an abnormally low threshold for aggression which results in someone who can be dangerous and difficult to manage.
Ongoing outcome studies are currently being conducted at the University of Texas, and preliminary results show significant improvement over traditional treatment programs for this population.
Admission Criteria
5-17 years of age
Suicidal and/or homicidal with lethal intent
Impulsively or pathological aggression
Severe agitation, assaultive, explosive states
Severe endangering impairment of judgement
Severe, bizarre or endangering behavior
Severe runaway risk, fire setter, or perpetrator
Self abuse, if severe or life threatening
Evidence of brain impairment
Assessment Services Provided:
Psychiatric Exam
Complex EEG
Evoked Potentials
Psychosocial Assessment
Neuropsychological exam
Stabilization:
Neurobehavioral Milieu
Medication
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
Behavioral therapy
Experiential therapy
Case management
Comprehensive, individualized treatment plan
Symptoms to Look For:
Repetitive rage behavior (requiring seclusion or restraints)
Impulsively (aggressive behavior that is impulsive rather than planned)
Poor planning skills (runaway with no plan, no money, nowhere to go)
Short attention span (attention too short for group therapy)
Laboratory evidence (abnormal CT scan, MRI, EEG)
Pathological aggression (violent behavior with no provocation, no gain)
History of neurological disease (seizure disorder, encephalitis)
Neuropsychological test abnormal (PIQ > 30 points)
Toxic exposure in gestation (substance abuse by mother in pregnancy)
Prior head injury with LOC (loss of consciousness - LOC > 1 hour)
CALL FOR A FREE CONFIDENTIAL ASSESSMENT ON OUR 24-HOUR CRISIS LINE, (816) 382-6300, OR CALL (800) 225-8577
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