A study by researchers at Cincinnati Children's hospital shows a quick swab of the mouth could help predict violent behavior in boys held in psychiatric care.The study led by Doctor Drew Barzman found a correlation between levels of three hormones and the severity and frequency of violent behavior.
Barzman says the next phase will focus on girls. He says the goal is to use the test to prevent aggression, monitor current aggression treatments for effectiveness, and reduce the use of seclusion restraints. He says if proven effective and approved by federal regulators, the test could be used in detention centers or schools. The study is published online in the journal Psychiatric Quarterly.