Dissociative symptomatology and aggressive behavior.

The present study examined the relationship between dissociative symptomatology and a range of aggressive behavior in a general psychiatric outpatient population. Of the total sample (n = 122), 29% scored above 25 on the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). Patients with high DES scores (> 25) were significantly more likely than patients with lower DES scores (< 25) to report a history of childhood sexual abuse, to have attempted suicide, and to report more assaultive behavior, irritability, and negativism. There were no differences between the patients with high versus low DES scores on homicidal behavior. To better manage and treat outpatients with dissociative symptomatology, it is important to clarify the association between outwardly aggressive behavior and dissociative experiences.