Interviewing violent patients

A clinical attitude to the interview of violent patients is outlined, which enables maximum safety for the clinician and usefulness of the interview f indings. This approach emphasizes careful monitoring of subjective states i n the patient and clinician. The author suggests an emphasis on clinical kn owledge of the DSM-IV and psychodynamic diagnoses of potentially violent ps ychiatric patients; self-awareness of transference and countertransference; and self-care including attention to personal physical and emotional needs , de-escalation, and self-defense skills. Finally, there is need for a safe therapeutic context within which to work.