Psychosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Psychosis, including details on clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder.

Development of clinical guidelines for the pharmacological management of behavioural disturbance and aggression in people with psychosis.

Castle D, Daniel J, Knott J, Fielding J, Goh J, Singh B

Mental Health Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia. dcastle@mhri.edu.au

OBJECTIVE: To describe the process underpinning the development of clinical guidelines for the management of behavioural disturbance in psychosis. METHOD: A structured process was followed, encompassing a literature review, focus groups with key staff, and pilot testing and monitoring of the guidelines in an acute psychiatric setting. RESULTS: The process was well accepted by staff and was found useful in monitoring outcomes in a naturalistic setting. The final guidelines proved safe and effective in the acute setting. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of a monitoring system for interventions for the management of behavioural disturbance in acute psychiatric settings is beneficial for staff and patients alike.

Published 21 September 2005 in Australas Psychiatry, 13(3): 247-52.
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