PSYCHIATRIC

EMERGENCIES
DEFINITION:
• Psychiatric emergency is a condition where in the patient has
disturbances of thought , affect and psychomotor activity leading to a
threat to his existence (suicide), or threat to the people in the
environment.

• Conditions in which there is alteration in behaviors , emotion or

thought, presenting in an acute form, in need of immediate attention
and care.
OBJECTIVES:
• To safeguard the life of patient.

• To bring down the anxiety of family members.

• To enhance emotional security of others in the environment.

TYPES OF PSYCHIATRIC
EMERGENCIES:
Suicide or deliberate self harm
Violence or excitement
Stupor
Panic
Withdrawal symptoms of drug dependence
Alcohol or drug overdose
Delirium
Epilepsy or status epileptics
Severe depression (suicidal or homicidal tendencies , agitation or stupor)
Iatrogenic emergencies
1.Side effects of psychotropic drugs
2. Psychiatric complications of drugs used in medicine(INH, steroids)
Abnormal responses to stressful situations
GENERAL GUIDE LINES TO MANAGE
PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCIES
• Handle with the utmost of tact and speech
• Act in a calm and coordinate manner to prevent other clients from
getting anxious
• Shift the clients as early as possible to a room
• Ensure that all other clients are reassured and the routine activities
proceed normally.
• Psych. emergencies overlap medical .e and staff should be familiar
with the management of both.
• SUICIDE(DELIBERATE SELF HARM)
• Intentional taking of one’s life in a culturally non-endorsed manner.
• Commonest cause of death among psychiatric patients.
EPIDEMIOLOGY:
In India suicide rate-10.8 per 1 lakh population.
Male and female-64:36
Highest in the age group 15-29yrs.
Methods used;
• Ingestion of poison 34.8%
• Hanging 32.2%
• Burning 8.8%
• Drowning6.7%
• Jumping infront of train or vehicle 3%
AETIOLOGY:

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
1. Failure in examination
2. Dowry harassment
3. Marital problems
4. Loss of loved object
5. Isolation and alienation from social groups
6. Financial and occupational difficulties.
RISK FACTORS:

• Age>40 yrs
• Male gender
• Staying single
• Previous suicidal attempts
• Depression
• Suicidal preoccupation
• Alcohol or drug dependence
• Ch.illness
• Recent serious loss
• Social isolation
• Higher degree of impulsivity
Warning signs;
• Depressed
• Feeling hopeless
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Sleeping too or low
• Making over statements
• Making cover statements
• Loosing interest
• Giving away prized possessions
• Preoccupied with death or dying
• Neglecting personal hygiene
MISCONCEPTIONS
MANAGEMENT;
• Be aware of the warning signs

• Monitor the patient safety needs

• Acute psychiatric emergency interview

• Counseling and guidance

• Treatment of psychiatric disorders