Psychiatric Emergencies.
Psychiatric emergencies are acute disturbances in thought, behavior, mood, or social relationship that require immediate intervention as defined by the patient, family, or social unit to save the patient and/or others from imminent danger. Ensuring the safety of the patient, surrounding persons, and the medical team is the first step of evaluation. Treatment focuses on stabilization of the patient, then on specific symptoms and ultimately the cause of symptoms. There are important legal considerations, particularly regarding involuntary admissions. It is important to debrief with the patient, surrounding family, and the health care team to ensure a continued therapeutic alliance and the emotional health of all involved.
Northwestern McGaw Family Medicine Residency Program, Erie Family Heath Center, 2750 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, USA. Electronic address: swheat@eriefamilyhealth.org.
Santina
S
Wheat
Northwestern McGaw Family Medicine Residency Program, Erie Family Heath Center, 2750 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, USA.
Dorothy
D
Dschida
Northwestern McGaw Family Medicine Residency Program, Erie Family Heath Center, 2750 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, USA.
Mary R
MR
Talen
D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D059020:Suicidal Ideation
Agitation; Homicide; Mania; Psychiatric emergency; Psychosis; Suicide