Assessment of problems with behaviour

Problems with behaviour (also called “challenging”, “problematic”, or “inappropriate” behaviours, or “behavioural and psychological symptoms”) comprise symptoms such as, for example, agitation, aggression, inattention, or overactivity. Problems with behaviour can be caused or triggered by factors that are biological (e.g. pain), social (e.g. boredom, insensitivity of others), environmental (e.g. noise and lighting) or psychological (e.g. emotional problems) which may endanger the physical safety of the person or others, limit interpersonal interactions or deny access to community facilities. The assessment of problems with behaviour uses interviewing, observation and standardized instruments to determine the presence and/or severity of the problems and their impact on functioning, and inform care planning, including the need for referral or follow-up.