Managing psychiatric emergencies

ABSTRACT

Behavioral emergencies are common; goals of the intervention are rapid evaluation, containment and referral to appropriate follow up. Clinicians will be likely called on to assess and manage agitation, acute psychosis and suicidality alone or in combination. Reaching an accurate diagnosis must be emphasized. Physician should be aware of the differences among the major psychiatric disorders, also to look for medical reasons in patients with psychiatric presentations. Mechanisms that lead to agitation also predispose to impulsivity, aggression and psychosis. This patient population needs careful and special approach in order to evaluate, treat and refer. Suicide is a serious, growing and complex public health problem and its rate continue to rise. This article will discuss how to assess acute psychosis, agitation, impulsivity, aggression and suicidality