Author(s)

Racky Wade-Kane^*, Ndeye Diale Ndiaye Ndongo, Papa Lamine Faye, Aida Sylla

Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Fann National University Hospital Center, Dakar, Senegal.

Introduction: The terms “violence” and “aggression” are usually used interchangeably. This is all the truer given that the lack of distinction between the two terms is commonly noted in institutional settings. Based on a semiological comparative description, we will analyze a patient’s aggressive behavior, which she herself characterizes as violence. Methodology: This is a qualitative study of a case history of an in-patient who exhibits bouts of agitation that she characterizes as violent at each relapse episode. Based on a review of the literature and a descriptive semiological analysis, we will document the type of clinical signs presented by Mrs. SM. Results: At home, Mrs. SM may injure someone close to her during bouts of agitation. During the first few days of hospitalization, the nursing team’s visit is always interrupted at her request. She says: “Doctor, get out, leave me alone before I hit you. If my agitation resurfaces in front of you, I can be violent, so please leave quickly”. Conclusion: We can see that the patient is often a victim of the repercussions of her aggression, which means she can cause harm, but not intentionally. This differentiates her behavior from violence, which is intentionally destructive.

Violence, Aggression, Comparative Semiology

Wade-Kane, R. , Ndongo, N. , Faye, P. and Sylla, A. (2024) Violence or Aggression: Comparative Semiological Study and Psychopathological Implications in a Senegalese Patient. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 12, 155-160. doi: 10.4236/jss.2024.125011.