ABD

Question 1

What is ABD?

Answer 1

Acute Behavioural Disturbance

Question 2

1. What mannerisms may a person experience ABD display?

2. What physical things may a person experience ABD display?

Answer 2

1.

• Manic behaviour
• Being bizzare
• Aggressive
• Confused
• Paranoia/ impending doom

2. • Unexpected strength
   • Rapid breathing
   • Insensitive to pain
   • Really hot
   • Sweating
   • Increased pulse rate

Question 3

What can Acute Behavioural Disturbance be caused by?

Answer 3

It is usually associated with acute on chronic drug use, or acute substance withdrawal, but can also be caused by other medical conditions such as hypoglycaemia or sepsis.

Around 10-20% of cases of acute behavioural disturbance are caused by pure psychiatric disturbance.

Question 4

Why can people die from ABD?

Answer 4

• Increased bodily activity leads to more O2 being used and more CO2 produced.
• This CO2 build up can cause acidity and high levels of potassium within the body which can lead to organ failure/ cardiac arrest.

Question 5

What mustn’t you do when dealing with cases of ABD?

Answer 5

• Must avoid restraint to allow oxygen flow.
• Treat the person as a criminal
• ABD = A&E

Question 6

What pneumonic can help remember stages?

Answer 6

CAMERAS!

C ontain but avoid restraint.
A mbulance
M onitor vital signs 
E xplain to them what's going on
R elay information 
A BD = A&E
S edation