Psychiatric emergencies Prepared By Marudhar Nims Nursing College Introduction An emergency is defined as an unforeseen combination of circumstances which calls for an immediate action A psychiatric emergency is an acute disturbance of behaviour, thought or mood of a patient which if untreated may lead to harm, either to the individual or to others in the environment Psychiatric emergencies are acute changes in behavior that negatively impact a patient's ability to function in his or her environment. Statistics As of 1991, the United States had approximately 3000 dedicated psychiatric emergency services (PESs). By2007 a survey revealed that roughly 86% of general hospitals provided some type of emergency psychiatric care, with 45% having either a psychiatric emergency service or an in-house consultation service and 41% contracting with an outside source to provide emergency psychiatric care Objective of emergency intervention To safeguard the life of patient. To bring down the anxiety of family members. To enhance emotional security of others in the environment. Types i. Suicide or deliberate self harm ii. Violence or excitement iii. Stupor iv. Panic v. Withdrawal symptoms of drug dependence. vi. Alcohol or drug overdose vii. Delirium viii. Epilepsy or status epileptics ix. Severe depression (suicidal or homicidaltendencies, agitation or stupor) Cont… x. Iatrogenic emergencies a. Side effects of psychotropic drugs b. Psychiatric complications of drugs used inmedicine ( eg: INH, steroids, etc.) xi. Abnormal responses to stressful situations. General guidance 1. Handle with the utmost of tact and speech so that well being of other patients is not affected. 2. Act in a calm and coordinate manner to prevent other clients from getting anxious. 3. Shift the client as early as possible to a room where they can be safe guarded against injury. 4. Ensure that all other clients are reassured and the routine activities proceed normally. 5. Psych. emergencies overlap medical emergencies and staff should be familiar with the management of both.

1. Prepared By
Marudhar
Nims Nursing College

2.  An emergency is defined as an unforeseen
combination of circumstances which calls for
an immediate action
 A psychiatric emergency is an acute
disturbance of behaviour, thought or mood of a
patient which if untreated may lead to harm,
either to the individual or to others in the
environment
 Psychiatric emergencies are acute changes in
behavior that negatively impact a patient's
ability to function in his or her environment.

3.  As of 1991, the United States had
approximately 3000 dedicated psychiatric
emergency services (PESs).
 By2007 a survey revealed that roughly 86% of
general hospitals provided some type of
emergency psychiatric care, with 45% having
either a psychiatric emergency service or an in-
house consultation service and 41% contracting
with an outside source to provide emergency
psychiatric care

4.  To safeguard the life of patient.
 To bring down the anxiety of family members.
 To enhance emotional security of others in the
environment.

5.  i. Suicide or deliberate self harm
 ii. Violence or excitement
 iii. Stupor
 iv. Panic
 v. Withdrawal symptoms of drug dependence.
 vi. Alcohol or drug overdose
 vii. Delirium
 viii. Epilepsy or status epileptics
 ix. Severe depression (suicidal or
homicidaltendencies, agitation or stupor)

6.  x. Iatrogenic emergencies
 a. Side effects of psychotropic drugs
 b. Psychiatric complications of drugs used
inmedicine ( eg: INH, steroids, etc.)
 xi. Abnormal responses to stressful situations.

7.  1. Handle with the utmost of tact and speech so
that well being of other patients is not affected.
 2. Act in a calm and coordinate manner to prevent
other clients from getting anxious.
 3. Shift the client as early as possible to a room
where they can be safe guarded against injury.
 4. Ensure that all other clients are reassured and
the routine activities proceed normally.
 5. Psych. emergencies overlap medical
emergencies and staff should be familiar with the
management of both.