Management of agitation in individuals with autism spectrum disorders in the emergency department.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presenting with acute agitation in emergency departments (ED) during a crisis situation present both diagnostic and treatment challenges for ED personnel, families, caregivers, and patients seeking treatment. This article describes the challenges that individuals with ASD face when receiving treatment in crisis and emergency settings. Additionally, this article provides information for emergency physicians, ED personnel, and crisis response teams on a systematic, minimally restrictive approach when assessing and providing treatment to patients with ASD presenting with acute agitation in ED settings.
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. Electronic address: mcgoniglejj@upmc.edu.
John J
JJ
McGonigle
Arvind
A
Venkat
Carol
C
Beresford
Thomas P
TP
Campbell
Robin L
RL
Gabriels
D000208:Acute Disease; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000379:methods; D063189:Symptom Assessment / Q000379:methods
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs
Acute agitation; Autism spectrum disorders; Crisis management; Emergency department; Emergency evaluation and treatment; Least-restrictive treatment model; Restraint