Psychiatric Emergencies - 1
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Psychiatric EmergenciesPaul ScavellaUniversity of the West IndiesPsychiatry Clerkship18/03/2016
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DefinitionsEmergency – unforeseen combination of
circumstances which calls for immediate action
Medical emergency – defined as a medical condition which endangers life and/or causes great suffering to individual
Psychiatric – disturbances of thought, affect and psycho motor activity threat to his/her person or people in the environment◦Adjunct side effects from medication
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Definition cont’dPsychiatric Emergencies require immediate evaluation by a Psychiatrist to determine the nature and severity of the condition.
Note: Psychiatric Emergencies may affect both adults and children.
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CharacteristicsAny condition/situation making
the patient and relatives seek immediate treatment
Disharmony between the patient and environment
Sudden disorganisation in personality ◦Affecting socio-occupational
functioning
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Objectives for emergency interventionSafeguard the life of the patientReduce anxiety of familyEnhance emotional security of
others in the environment
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Types of Psychiatric Emergencies Suicide or deliberate self harm Violence/Excitement Stupor Panic Withdrawal Sx of drug dependence
◦ Delerium Tremens Alcohol or drug overdose Epilepsy or Status Epilepticus Severe Depression Iatrogenic emergencies
◦ Side effects of psychotropic drugs◦ Psychiatric complications of drugs used in medicine
Abnormal response to a stressful situation
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General guidelines of management for Psychiatric Emergencies1. Handle with utmost tact and
speech so that well being of other patients is not affected
2. Act in a calm 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
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General guidelines of management for Psychiatric Emergencies4. Ensure that all other clients are
reassured and that routine activities proceed normally
5. Psychiatric emergency overlap medical emergencies and staff should be familiar with both
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EpidemiologyIn the USA, Psychiatric Emergency Rooms are used equally
by men and by women and are used by more single than married individuals
About 20 % of the patients are suicidal and 10% are violent.
The more common diagnoses are mood disorders, schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence.
40% of persons need hospitalization.
Most visits occur during the nights.
Psychiatric Emergencies are NOT increased during full moon or Christmas season.
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PrevalenceRate of psychiatric emergencies
in non-psychiatric institutions estimated at anywhere from 10% - 60%
All physicians need basic knowledge of the diagnostic and therapeutic steps to be taken in psychiatric emergencies
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Treatment settingsMost emergency psychiatric evaluations are
done by non-psychiatrists in a general medical emergency room setting (like in the Bahamas), but specialized psychiatric services are increasingly favored.
Regardless of the type of setting, an atmosphere of safety and security must prevail.
An adequate number of staff members, including psychiatrists, nurses, aides and social workers must be present at all times.
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Treatment settings Immediate access to the medical emergency room
and to appropriate diagnostic services is necessary because one third of medical conditions present with psychiatric manifestations.
Ideally, the full spectrum of psychopharmacological options should be available to the psychiatrist.
Whenever possible, agitated and threatening patients should be sequestered from the nonagitated.
Seclusion and restraint rooms should be located close to the nursing station for observation.
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EvaluationPrimary goal is timely
assessment of the patient in crisis
Physician must ◦Make an initial diagnosis◦Identify precipitating factors and
immediate needs◦Begin treatment or refer to the most
appropriate treatment setting
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Evaluation
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EvaluationThe standard psychiatric
interview consisting of a history, mental status exam, when appropriate and depending on the emergency room, a full physical and ancillary tests
For Psychiatric emergencies, the physician must be able to introduce modifications as needed.
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EvaluationThe emergency evaluation should
address the following:◦Is it safe for the patient to be in the
Emergency room?◦Is the problem organic, functional or
a combination?◦Is the patient psychotic?◦Is the patient suicidal or homicidal?◦To what degree is the patient capable
of self-care?
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Medical or PsychiatricConditions such as DM, Thyroid disease,
acute intoxications, withdrawal states, AIDS and head traumas can present with prominent mental status changes that mimic common psychiatric illnesses
Such conditions may be life-threatening if not treated promptly
Sometimes once labeled psychiatric patients with mental illnesses may be overlooked and deteriorate clinically
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Features that point to medical cause of a mental disorderAcute onset (within hours or minutes,
with prevailing)First episodeGeriatric ageCurrent medical illness or injurySignificant substance abuseNon-auditory disturbances of perceptionNeurological symptoms – LOC, seizures,
head injury, change in headache pattern, change in vision
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Specific Interview SituationsPsychosis – physicians must be prepared to
structure or terminate an interview to limit the potential of agitation or regression
Depression and potentially suicidal – should always ask about suicidal ideas as part of every MSE, especially if the patient is depressed
Violent patients – may be violent for many reasons; must attempt to ascertain the underlying cause of the violent behaviour as cause determines intervention
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History signs and symptoms of suicidal riskPrevious attempt or fantasized suicideAnxiety, depression, exhaustionAvailability of means of suicideConcern for effect of suicide on family
membersVerbalised suicidal ideationPreparation of will, resignation after agitated
depressionProximal life crisis, such as mourning or
impending surgeryFamily History of suicidePervasive pessimism or hopelessness
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Treatment goals
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Treatment of EmergenciesPsychotherapy
◦In an emergency psychiatric intervention, all attempts are made to help patient’s self-esteem
◦Empathy is always important◦No single approach is appropriate for
all persons in similar situations◦When clinician does not know what
to say listening is best
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Treatment of EmergenciesPharmacotherapy
◦Major indications for the use of psychotropic medication in emergency room include: Violent or assaultive behaviour Massive anxiety or panic Extrapyramidal reactions such as
dystonia and akathisia Note laryngospasm is a rare form of dystonia
and psychiatrists should be prepared to maintain on open airway wit intubation
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Treatment of EmergenciesRestraints
◦Used when patients are so dangerous to themselves or others that they pose a severe threat that cannot be controlled in any other way
◦Patients may be restrained temporarily to receive medication or if medication cannot be given
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Tips when using restraints Preferrably 5 or a minimum of 4 persons should be used
to restrain the patient (leather are safest type) Explain to the patient why he or she is going into
restraints A staff member should always be visible and reassuring
the patient Reassurance helps alleviate the patient’s fear of
helplessness, impotence and loss of control Patients should be restrained with legs spread-eagled
and one arm to one side and the other over the patients head. IV’s should be placed in the event they need Fluids or medication
Should be checked periodically for safety and comfort Document reason for the restraints, course of treatment
and response to treatment with restraints
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Treatment for EmergenciesDisposition
◦In some cases admitting or discharging the patient is not optimal
◦Some conditions have to be managed in an extended-observation setting, e.g., adjustment reaction to a traumatic event
◦Best to admit patient voluntarily, however very difficult to
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SuicideOne of the commonest
psychiatric emergenciesCommonest cause of death
among psychiatric patientsDefined as the intentional taking
of ones life in a culturally non-endorsed manner
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Suicide Aetiology1. Psychotic Disorder
◦ Major Depression◦ Schizophrenia◦ Substance abuse◦ Dementia◦ Delirium◦ Personality disorder
2. Physical Disorder◦ Chronic or incurable physical disorders like Cancer, AIDS
3. Psychosocial Factors◦ Failure in exams◦ Marital problems◦ Loss of loved one or object◦ Isolation and alienation from social groups◦ Financial & Occupational difficulties
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SuicideRisk Factors
◦ Age > 40 ◦ Male gender◦ Single◦ Previous attempts◦ Depression: Higher risk after response to
treatment, Higher risk in week after discharge◦ Suicidal preoccupation◦ Alcohol or drug dependence◦ Chronic illness◦ Recent serious loss or major stressful life event◦ Social isolation◦ Higher degree of impulsivity
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ManagementBe aware of the warning signsMonitor the patient’s safety
needsAcute psychiatric interviewCounseling & Guidance
◦Deal with ongoing life stressors and teach new coping skills
Treatment of psychiatric disorders
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Violence/Excitement/Aggressive BehaviourPhysical aggression by one
person on anotherDuring this stage patient will be
irrational, uncooperative, delusional and assaultive
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Violence/Excitement/Aggressive Behaviour: AetiologyOrganic Psychiatric Disorders
◦ Delirium◦ Dementia◦ Wernicke – Korsakoff psychosis
Other pyschiatric disorders◦ Schizphrenia◦ Mania◦ Agitated depression◦ Substance withdrawal◦ Epilepsy◦ Acute stress reaction◦ Panic disorder◦ Personality disorder
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Violence/Excitement/Aggressive Behaviour: ManagementReassuraneSedation if necessary
◦Diazepam 5 – 10 mg slow IV◦Haloperidol 2 – 10 m IM/IV◦Chlorpromazine 50 – 100 mg IM
Collect detailed history and explore causeComplete physical examProvide care and do due diligencePhysical restraints – last resort
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Stupor & Catatonic SyndromeClinical syndrome of akinesis and
mutism often associated with catatonic signs and symptoms
Catatonic synd. Any disorder which presents with at least 2 catatonic signs◦Negativism, mutism, stupor,
ambitendency, echolalia, echopraxia, stereotypes, verbigeration, excitement and impulsiveness
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Stupor & Catatonic Syndrome: ManagementEnsure patient airwayMaintain hydrationHistory and PEAncillary investigations before
starting treatmentProvide care for unconscious
patient◦Skin, nutrition, elimination, personal
hygiene
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Panic AttacksEpisodes of acute anxiety and
panic occurs as part of psychotic or neurotic illness
Manifestations◦Palpitations (Anxiety MCC)◦Sweating, tremors, feeling of
impending death◦Chest pain, nausea, abdominal
distress◦Paresthesia, Hot flushes
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Panic Attacks: ManagementGive reassuranceFind causeInjection of Diazepam 10mg or
lorazepam 2 mg in acute settingCounsel patient and relativesCognitive Behavioural therapy
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Victims of DisasterPeople who have survived a
sudden, unexpected, overwhelming stress
FeaturesAnger, Frustration, GuiltsNumbness, ConfusionFlashbacks, Depression
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Victims of Disaster: ManagementTreatment of the life-threatening
physical problemIntervention
◦Listen attentively, don’t interrupt◦Acknowledge understaning of the pain and
distress◦Console if appropriate (pat on the shoulder)◦Don’t ask them to stop crying
Group therapyBenzodiazepines can be given to reduce
anxiety
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Hysterical AttacksA hysteric may mimic
abnormality of any function which is under voluntary control◦Hysterical fits◦Hysterical ataxia◦Hysterical paraplegia
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Hysterical attacks: ManagementHelp patient realise the meaning
of the symptoms and help them find alternative ways of coping with stress
IV pentothal is usefulRelieve anxiety amonth family
members
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Delirium TremensLife threatening alcohol
withdrawal syndrome – peaks a days 2 to 5 after last drink
Characterised by delirium, hyperthermia, tachycardia, seizures
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ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL TIMELINE
TIME
6 to 8 hours
8 to 12 hours
12 to 24 hours
During 72 hours but can be up to one week.
SYMPTOMS
TREMULOUSNESS (shakes or jitters)
Psychotic and perceptual symptoms
Seizures
Delirium Tremens (DTs)
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Delirium Tremens: ManagementBest treatment for DTs is prevention.Once Delirium sets in, IV benzodiazepines is best eg,
Lorazepam IV at 0.1mg/kg or if available chlordiazepoxide (librium), should be given orally every 4 hrs
Antipsychotic medications that may reduce the seizure threshold in patients should be avoided.
High calorie, high-carbohydrate diet supplemented by Multivitamins is important.
Be careful with physical restraints, and remember hydration is essential.
Warm, supportive psychotherapy in the treatment of DTs is essential since patients are often frightened and anxious.
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Epileptic FurorFollowing an epileptic attach
patient may behave strangely and become excited or violent
Management◦Diazepam 10 mg IV◦Haloperidol 10 mg IV
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Drug Adverse EffectsNeuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
– AE of Antipsychotics◦FEVER mnemonic◦Fever◦Encephalopathy◦Elevated Enzyme (CK) and WBCs◦Rigidity
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Drug Adverse EffectsNMS Management
◦Stop the causative drug◦Cool the patients body temp◦Maintain fluid and electrolyte blance◦Dantrolene
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Drug Adverse EffectsSerotonin Syndrome
The diagnosis is usually made by asking questions about your medical history, including the types of drugs the patient takes.
To be diagnosed with serotonin syndrome, you must have been taking a drug that changes the body's serotonin levels (serotonergic drug) and have at least three of the following signs or symptoms:
Agitation, Diarrhea ,Heavy sweating not due to activity Fever
Mental status changes such as confusion or hypomania
Muscle spasms (myoclonus), Hyperreflexia ,Shivering, Tremor AND Uncoordinated movements (ataxia)
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Serotonin Syndrome: Management Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) or
lorazepam (Ativan) to decrease agitation, seizure-like movements, and muscle stiffness
Cyproheptadine (Periactin), a drug that blocks serotonin production
Fluids by IV
Withdrawal of medicines that caused the syndrome
In life-threatening cases, paralytics and intubation may be necessary to avoid further damage.
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Drug Adverse Effects: Lithium Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) or
lorazepam (Ativan) to decrease agitation, seizure-like movements, and muscle stiffness
Cyproheptadine (Periactin), a drug that blocks serotonin production
Fluids by IV
Withdrawal of medicines that caused the syndrome
In life-threatening cases, paralytics and intubation may be necessary to avoid further damage.