PTSD

Defensive aggression, hyperarousal, startle, fear

EmergentReview due

Compare (7)

At a glance

High-risk causes: 3
Immediate actions: 5
Related differentials: 6

Safety snapshot

Watch forWeaponssevere dissociationchild or family risk

Presentation hinge

Aggression is often fear- or belief-driven rather than predatory.

Separates the Aggression / Violence / Homicidal Ideation group. It is not specific to PTSD.

Points for this presentation

Applies to the Aggression / Violence / Homicidal Ideation group — not specific to PTSD

Violence in psychosis is often defensive from perceived threat
Mixed irritability is easy to underestimate
One of the commonest reversible drivers of acute violence
Agitation in dementia is frequently delirium, pain, or environment-driven

Clinical review

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Aggression / Violence / Homicidal Ideation group — not specific to PTSD

Why it fits

Defensive aggression, hyperarousal, startle, fear

Key features

Must-not-miss

Weapons, severe dissociation, child or family risk.

High-risk causes3 causes

Weapons
severe dissociation
child or family risk

Bedside question

Applies to the Aggression / Violence / Homicidal Ideation group.

Aggression is often fear- or belief-driven rather than predatory.

Helpful clues

Immediate action

Applies to the Aggression / Violence / Homicidal Ideation group.

Violence in psychosis is often defensive from perceived threat Mixed irritability is easy to underestimate One of the commonest reversible drivers of acute violence Agitation in dementia is frequently delirium, pain, or environment-driven Recognising the interpersonal trigger can prevent the next escalation

Priority steps5 steps

1Violence in psychosis is often defensive from perceived threat
2Mixed irritability is easy to underestimate
3One of the commonest reversible drivers of acute violence
4Agitation in dementia is frequently delirium, pain, or environment-driven
5Recognising the interpersonal trigger can prevent the next escalation

Investigations

Applies to the Aggression / Violence / Homicidal Ideation group.

None listed

Core tests

Mimics / overlap

Applies to the Aggression / Violence / Homicidal Ideation group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.