Scale for the Prediction of Aggression and Dangerousness in Psychotic Patients, an introduction.

The design and theoretical bases of the Scale for the Prediction of Aggression and Dangerousness in Psychotic Patients (PAD) are described. The scale is based on an interactional understanding of aggressive behaviour in psychotic patients. This model emphasizes detailed analyses of each patient's situational and interactional vulnerability, in addition to personality variables, for improved prediction of aggressive behaviour. Situational vulnerability is thus defined as increased likelihood to act aggressively towards others in a given interaction. Based on 29 items grouped in 7 main categories, the PAD scores describe a patient's profile of interactional vulnerability. Empirical data from the clinical and research application of PAD at a special secure unit for dangerous patients are presented.