Which assessment finding presents the greatest risk for violent behavior directed at others?

A) Severe agoraphobia
B) History of spousal abuse
C) Bizarre somatic delusions
D) Verbalized hopelessness and powerlessness

A history of prior aggression or violence is the best predictor of who may become violent. Patients with anxiety disorders are not particularly prone to violence unless panic occurs. Patients experiencing hopelessness and powerlessness may have coexisting anger, but violence is uncommon. Patients with paranoid delusions are at greater risk for violence than those with bizarre somatic delusions.