Anger, Hostility, and Violent Behavior

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• A plan to harm another person that includes any of the following:
  • You have the means, such as weapons, available to harm another person.
  • You have set a time and place to harm another person.
• A plan to commit suicide that includes any of the following:
  • You have the means available, such as weapons or medicines.
  • You have set a time and place to commit suicide.
  • You think there is no other way to solve the problem or end the pain.
• Anger that occurs with chest pain that is crushing, squeezing, or feels like a heavy weight on the chest or that occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have been:

• Abused by an intimate partner: Go to the topic Domestic Abuse.
• Harmed by another person (victim of violent behavior): Go to the topic Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, or Rape.

If you have suicidal thoughts: Go to the topic Suicidal Thoughts or Threats.

Yes	Are you so angry that you might harm someone?
Yes	Does your anger or hostility cause problems with others?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Anger or hostility that is related to the use of alcohol or drugs: Go to the topic Alcohol and Drug Problems.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 18, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
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