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Psychiatric Emergencies: What to Do Now! | Emergency Medicine

Philip Bell

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Psychiatric emergencies are a common challenge in emergency departments (EDs). They can be unpredictable, dangerous, and overwhelming for both patients and staff. However, with the right training, you can help patients safely and effectively.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of psychiatric emergencies, including assessment, treatment, and disposition. It is written by a team of experienced emergency physicians and psychiatrists who have decades of experience in managing psychiatric emergencies.

Psychiatric Emergencies (What Do I Do Now Emergency Medicine)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	3630 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages
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Chapter 1: Assessment

The first step in managing a psychiatric emergency is to assess the patient's condition. This includes evaluating the patient's mental status, physical condition, and risk factors for violence.

The mental status exam should assess the patient's orientation to time, place, and person; their thought process; their mood; and their behavior. The physical exam should include a general medical exam, as well as a neurological exam.

The risk assessment should evaluate the patient's potential for violence to themselves or others. This should include assessing the patient's history of violence, their current mental state, and the presence of any environmental factors that could increase the risk of violence.

Chapter 2: Treatment

Once the patient has been assessed, the next step is to develop a treatment plan. The treatment plan should be individualized to the patient's specific needs and should include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Pharmacological interventions may include antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines. Non-pharmacological interventions may include psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and social work services.

Chapter 3: Disposition

Once the patient has been stabilized, the next step is to determine the appropriate disposition. This may include admission to a psychiatric hospital, referral to a community mental health center, or discharge home with follow-up care.

The disposition decision should be made in consultation with the patient and their family. The decision should be based on the patient's clinical condition, their risk of harm to themselves or others, and their ability to function in the community.

Psychiatric emergencies can be challenging, but with the right training, you can help patients safely and effectively. This book provides a comprehensive overview of psychiatric emergencies, including assessment, treatment, and disposition. It is an essential resource for all emergency physicians and other healthcare professionals who care for patients with psychiatric emergencies.

Psychiatric Emergencies Can Be Challenging, But With The Right Training, You Can Help Patients Safely And Effectively. Psychiatric Emergencies (What Do I Do Now Emergency Medicine)