Prevalence data of aggressive behavior and its management in schizophrenia during acute episodes is scarce in Europe. The available data comes from studies conducted in small samples from single centers and do focus on pharmacological interventions.

To document the prevalence of agitation-hostility among patients and management strategies in Spain.

Cross-sectional survey during an hospital admission at specialized acute units. Selection criteria included patients with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia according to DSM-IV-TR criteria, attending the hospital for admission. Information regarding clinical profile, sociodemographic data, work status, severity of the disease by using the Clinical Impression of Severity Scale disease-specific (CGI-SCH) was collected. Aggression and hostility were recorded at admission by using the PANSS-EC subscore, and aggressive behaviors during the hospitalization period by the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS). Therapeutical management was also recorded at three time points, at admission during hospitalization and at discharge.

800 patients were recruited by 200 clinicians from 120 specialized psychiatric units across the country. Prevalence data for agitation-hostility in Spain is provided. For those patients showing aggressive behaviors during the hospitalization period, information concerning intensity and type of aggression is also described. Its associated management strategies are provided.

Prevalence data of agitation-hostility in patients in acute settings is valuable as well as understanding the routine practice applied to its management. This comprehensive work could represent a basis for the development of a consensus guideline for clinical practice at specialized acute units.