The physician's unique role in preventing violence: a neglected opportunity?

Background: Episodes of explosive rage and violence comprise a symptom complex which can have a devastating effect on a person's life. In the community this behavior is seen as workplace violence, domestic abuse and road rage, while in the clinical setting, this behavior is rarely mentioned by patients, despite evidence that it can signify an important biological disorder that may afflict more than three percent of the population.

Discussion: Patients are often reluctant to seek help for episodic attacks of rage, especially attacks which are accompanied by physical violence.