Chapter 2: Psychiatric Emergencies

Question 1

Any dangerous or life-threatening situation that occurs because of mental disorder.

Answer 1

Psychiatric emergency

Question 2

If a patient presents a psychiatric emergency, what should be done?

Answer 2

Treat the emergency first before diagnosing: In an emergency, coming up with the “correct” diagnosis is a secondary priority to making sure that the patient and others are safe.

Question 3

The most common psychiatric emergency.

10th most common causes of death worldwide.

Answer 3

Suicide

Question 4

What populations are high-risks for suicide?

Answer 4

➡️ elderly (higher risk)
➡️ teenagers and young adults (high risk)
➡️ men (use of lethal methods)

Question 5

What disorders are common among suicidal patients?

Answer 5

Mood disorders (bipolar and depression)

Question 6

What factors can determine the likelihood of a patient to commit suicide?

Answer 6

GUNS & ROSES
• GUNS – access to guns and other weapons
• R – recent attempts
• O – ongoing suicidal thoughts
• S – self-harming tendencies
• E – enduring a life problem
• S – substance access

Question 7

People actively hurt or harm themselves without any intention of dying.

Answer 7

Non-suicidal self-harm

Question 8

Enumerate the 6 psychiatric emergencies

Answer 8

1. Suicide
2. Non-suicidal self-harm
3. Violence / threats
4. Abuse and Neglect
5. Delirium
6. Catatonia