Aggressive Behavior Treatment

Although aggressive behavior is sometimes viewed as just a social faux pas, many people who experience aggressive behavior are treated with pharmaceuticals as well as with counseling to deal with their aggression issues. Those who show aggressive behaviors are also more likely to be violent. This kind of behavior often gets people admitted into psychiatric units.

Understanding the Source

• It sometimes takes some work on the part of health professionals to determine why a person has aggressive behavior tendencies. The reason for the aggression must first be understood before the behavior can be treated. Some of the main causes are substance abuse, dependence on drugs and intoxication. Heavy drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can cause aggression in a person, however much more simple items--like caffeine and even water--can also lead to aggression.

  In some cases, the reason for aggressive behavior stems from mental conditions. For example, conditions such as schizophrenia and mania can cause a person to hallucinate and subsequently become aggressive. Dementia has also been known to promote aggression.

  Local factors also can contribute to the amount of aggression a person exhibits. For example, if a person lives in a home that is unstable or chaotic, the likelihood of him exhibiting aggressive behavior increases.

Drugs Used for Treatment

• Once health professionals understand the root of the problem, they can work on treating the aggression. Benzodiazepines are one of the drugs that are used to treat aggressive behavior. They is particularly effective when used on patients whose cause of aggression is unknown. These drugs should not be used on a regular basis because there is a risk of them being abused.

  Some health professionals choose to prescribe anti-psychotics to treat aggressive behavior if the source of the aggression warrants the use of this medication. Some prefer prescribing low-potency antipsychotics because they are better able to sedate the patient. If a patient does not have a bi-polar or psychotic disorder, these medications should not be prescribed for treatment.

Behavioral Treatment

• One of the best ways to change your behavior without--or in addition to--the use of pharmaceuticals is to recognize the triggers that set off aggressive behavior within oneself and then work on avoiding those triggers and dealing with the triggers.

  For example, if a person is prone to aggressive behavior when he is intoxicated, alcohol is his trigger. Avoiding alcohol will help reduce his aggression. Likewise, if there is a certain situation that would make him more aggressive, he must train himself to look for this situation during the day and make a conscious effort to react in a healthy way. Like any skill, this takes practice.