This paper gives a description of the development and initial empirical testing of the Report Form for Aggressive Episodes, a behavioural rating scale used to measure displayed aggressive behaviour and the situational determinant(s) according to a list of 30 potential precipitants to aggression. Findings from a one-year study in a special secure unit for the long-term treatment of dangerous patients show very high rates of underreporting of aggressive episodes in ward journals and patient files compared to this scale. Illustrations of the clinical use of the scale are provided by scoring examples and two case vignettes.
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