Psych Emergencies Flashcards
T or F Suicide is almost always due to a mental illness
True
What is chronic suicide?
alcohol and substance abuse, medication noncompliance
-seem to have a “death wish”
What gender commits suicide more often?
What gender attempts it more?
Med commit 4X more often
women attempt 4x more often (don’t succeed)
What gender is more likely to commit suicide by OD?
Women
What gender is more likely to use firearms or hanging to commit suicide?
Men
What risk factor contributed to about half or all suicides?
illness, especially chronic of with pain
What mental disorder is most closely related to suicide?
Depression 80%
Schizophrenia 10%
Eating disorders
*all mental disorders have increased risk suicide
What is the best indicator of increased risk of suicide?
Past attempt
What is egoistic
not integrated into a social group
What is altruistic
excessive integration into a group
what is anomic
cannot follow norms of behavior
What does SAD PERSONS mnemonic stand for?
Sex (M) Age >45 Depression Previous attempt Ethanol use Rational thinking loss Social supports lacking Organized plan No spouse/significant Sickness
1pt for each, >= 5 at high risk
3 Most common diagnoses for adult psych emergencies
Mood Disorders
Schizophrenia
Alcohol Dependence
What are strategies for self protection when evaluating a patient
Know as much as possible before meeting pt
Leave physical restraint procedures to those who are trained
Be alert
Attend to safety of physical surroundings
Have others present of in vicinity
Develop an alliance with the pt
Organic causes of psychosis are likely to have what onset and vitals?
Acute onset
Abnormal vitals
