Anger, Hostility, and Aggression Lecture Notes

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering definitions and concepts related to anger management, psychiatric disorders, and nursing interventions for aggression.

Anger

A normal and healthy reaction that occurs when situations are unfair or unjust, personal rights are not respected, or realistic expectations are not met.

Hostility

Verbal aggression that aims to intimidate or cause emotional harm.

Physical Aggression

Behavior that aims to harm, punish, or force compliance.

Triggering Phase

The phase of an aggressive incident where an event initiates an aggressive response.

Escalation Phase

The phase of an aggressive incident characterized by an increasing loss of control.

Crisis Phase

The phase of an aggressive incident involving a total loss of emotional and physical control.

Recovery Phase

The phase of an aggressive incident where the client is regaining control.

Postcrisis Phase

The final phase of an aggressive incident involving reconciliation and return to normal functioning.

Anger Attacks in Depression

Sudden intense spells of anger or rage, typically followed by remorse, occurring when a person feels emotionally trapped.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)

A rare psychiatric diagnosis involving discrete episodes of aggressive impulses and serious assaults grossly disproportionate to any provocation.

Acting Out

An immature defense mechanism involving dealing with emotional conflicts or stressors through actions rather than feelings.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter with an inhibitory role; low levels are associated with increased aggressive behavior.

Hwa-Byung

A cultural syndrome seen in Korea, predominantly in females, characterized by physical and emotional symptoms of anger.

Bouffe délirante

A cultural syndrome observed in West Africa and Haiti involving sudden outbursts of agitated and aggressive behavior.

Amok

A dissociative episode seen in males characterized by violent, aggressive behavior following a perceived insult.

Lithium

A medication used to treat comorbid aggression in bipolar disorder, conduct disorders, and intellectual developmental disorder.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

An anticonvulsant used to manage aggression in dementia, psychosis, and personality disorders.

Benztropine (Cogentin)

A medication used to treat extrapyramidal side effects associated with antipsychotic use.

Workplace Bullying

Also known as lateral or horizontal violence, this includes verbal abuse, threatening, intimidating, or humiliating behaviors and work interference.

Show of Force

A technique used during the escalation phase where additional staff members are present to demonstrate that the staff will take control if necessary.