Psychiatric Emergencies and Abnormal Behavior

A psychiatric emergency can result from various reasons, including medical conditions, mental illness, substance abuse, and stress, and can affect anyone, even those without a prior mental health condition.

Feeling depressed or sad does not necessarily mean a person is mentally ill, as it can be a normal reaction to a crisis situation, such as divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one.

Only a small percentage of people with mental health disorders are violent or dangerous, and it's possible to predict when a person may become violent based on their behavior.

Behavior is a person's response to their environment, and it can change temporarily due to stress, leading to abnormal behavior that deviates from societal norms and expectations.

Abnormal behavior can be classified as a mental health problem if it interferes with a person's daily life, is harmful to themselves or others, or lasts for at least a month.

Chronic depression is a medical diagnosis characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement.

A psychiatric emergency is more serious than a typical behavioral emergency and requires immediate attention, as it poses an immediate threat to the person or others in the immediate area.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five Americans experiences a mental disorder at some point in their lives, which can result in impaired functioning.

Abnormal behavior can be caused by various factors, including social, psychological, genetic, physical, chemical, or biological disturbances.

Functional disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety conditions, and depression, can also produce abnormal behavior.

Signs and symptoms of abnormal behavior can affect various psychological functions, including consciousness, motor activity, speech, thought, affect, memory, orientation, and perception.

When assessing a patient in a behavioral crisis, it's essential to approach them slowly and calmly, avoid threatening actions, and respect their personal space and territory.

The patient's perception of reality may be compromised and distorted, and they may be incapable of responding reasonably to the demands of the environment.

Limiting the number of people around the patient and separating them from bystanders or family members who may be exacerbating the situation can help reduce agitation and aggression.

Assessing the level of danger involves evaluating the patient's history, posture, attention, body language, vocal activity, and physical activity.

Factors increasing the risk of suicide or harm to others include recent depression, recent loss of a loved one, financial setbacks, drug use, and a detailed plan.

Reflective listening, also known as active listening, is essential when communicating with patients in a behavioral crisis, as it helps to establish trust and encourage them to expand on their thoughts.

Utilizing the people around the patient, such as family and friends, can provide valuable information when determining the cause of the patient's condition.

When trying to determine the cause of the patient's condition, consider five major areas: central nervous system functioning, environmental conditions, substance abuse, psychogenic circumstances, and recent changes in medications.

In the secondary assessment, look for any underlying medical conditions that may be mimicking a psychiatric issue, such as head injuries or hypoglycemia.

Reassess interventions and monitor patients vigilantly for sudden changes in thoughts and behavior, and document thoroughly and carefully.

When providing emergency medical care to patients in a behavioral crisis, maintain safety for both the patient and yourself, and avoid challenging the patient's personal space or being judgmental.