Symptoms

  • Verbal aggression, such as yelling, shouting, or using abusive language
  • Physical aggression, including hitting, kicking, or pushing
  • Threatening behaviour, such as making intimidating gestures or statements
  • Hostility or irritability in interactions with others
  • Impulsive or reckless behaviour
  • Intentionally damaging property or belongings
  • Physical violence towards others, resulting in harm or injury
  • Use of weapons or objects as tools for violence Engaging in criminal behaviour, such as robbery or assault
  • Displaying a pattern of aggressive or violent behaviour over time

It is important to note that these symptoms can be indicative of various underlying causes, including mental health issues, trauma, or substance abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, its is essential to seek professional help and support.


Types 

  • Physical Aggression – Involves physically harming or threatening to harm others, such as hitting, kicking, or pushing
  • Verbal Aggression -Involves the use of words to inflict harm, such as yelling, shouting, or using abusive language
  • Relationship Aggression – Involves behaviour aimed at damaging someone’s relationships or social status, such as spreading rumours or excluding individuals from social groups
  • Impulsive Aggression – Involves sudden, unplanned outbursts of aggression without much forethought or consideration of consequences
  • Collective violence – Involves violence committed by larger groups, such as riots, mob violence, or terrorism
  • Self-directed violence – Involves violence directed at oneself, such as self-harm or suicide
  • Property violence – Involves violence directed at property, such as vandalism or arson

Cognitive distortions or maladaptive thought patterns

  • Social and cultural Factors – Influence of peer groups that condone or encourage aggressive behaviour

Cultural norms that tolerate or glorify violence

Discrimination and marginalization

Lack of access to education, employment, or resources

Causes


  • Biological Factors – Genetic predisposition

Brain abnormalities or imbalances in neurotransmitters

  • Environmental Factors – Childhood abuse or trauma

Exposure to violence in the family or community

Socioeconomic stressors

  • Psychological Factors – Mental health disorders

Poor impulsive control

Low empathy or lack of remorse

  • Social Factors – Peer influence

Cultural norms that condone aggression

Media portrayal of violence

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Assessment – Interviews with the individual and, if possible, family members

Observations of behaviour in various contexts

  • Psychological Testing – Assessments for mental health disorders

Evaluation of cognitive functions and personality traits

  • Neurobiological Evaluation – Brain imaging to identify abnormalities or irregularities
  • Behavioural Analysis – Tracking patterns of aggressive behaviour

Identifying triggers and responses

  • Risk Assessment – Evaluating the likelihood of future violent behaviour
  • Collaboration – Involving multiple professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers

Treatment

  • Therapeutic Interventions – Individual counselling to address underlying issues

Family Therapy to improve communication and dynamics

  • Mediation – Prescribed for underlying mental health conditions
  • Anger Management programs – Teach coping strategies and emotional regulation
  • Social Skills Training – Enhance interpersonal skills and conflict resolution
  • Community Support – Involvement in positive social activities

Access to support groups

  • Legal Measures – Court mandated interventions for accountability

Supervision and monitoring when necessary

Local Supporting Agencies

  • Mind

https://www.rochdalemind.org.uk/how-we-can-help/Karma 

National Supporting Services

  • Refuge

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

  • Respect- Men’s advice line

https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

  • Mankind

https://mankind.org.uk/

  • Karma Nirvana – Forced marriage /Honour based abuse

https://karmanirvana.org.uk/

Page last reviewed: 8 June 2024
Next review due: 8 June 2025