Acute disturbed or violent behaviour: principles of treatment.

Acute disturbed or violent behaviour has a number of organic, iatrogenic and psychological precipitants and is commonly encountered. Various models have been used to define such behaviour and to suggest non-pharmacological treatments. However, drugs are frequently used and a wide variety of regimens are employed. Robust research into the use of drugs in acute, disturbed behaviour is scant. Nevertheless a treatment protocol is presented based on primary research, review articles and clinical experience.