Behavioral Health Emergencies

Behavior is?

what you can see of a person’s response to the environment: his or her actions.

a behavioral crisis is when?

patients who exhibit agitated, violent, or uncooperative behavior or who are a danger to themselves or others.

A psychiatric disorder is?

an illness with psychological or behavioral symptoms that may result in impaired functioning.

what is the most common psychiatric disorder?

anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder

Panic disorder

Social and other phobias

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Obsessive–compulsive disorder

You should understand the two basic categories of diagnosis a physician will use

organic and functional.

Organic brain syndrome is?

a temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by a disturbance in the physical or physiologic functioning of the brain tissue.

organic brain syndrome causes

sudden illness, traumatic brain injury (TBI), seizure disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, overdose, or withdrawal, and diseases of the brain.

what are functional disorders?

Physiologic disorder that impair bodily functions when the body seems to be structurally normal

examples of functional disorders?

schizophrenia, anxiety conditions, and depression

psychosis is

Psychosis is a state of delusion in which the person is out of touch with reality.

what does psychosis cause

Mind-altering substances

Intense stress

Delusional disorders

Schizophrenia

schizophrenia symptoms

Delusions

Hallucinations

A lack of interest in pleasure

Erratic speech

delirium is

a condition of impairment in cognitive function that can present with disorientation, hallucinations, or delusions.

agitation is?

restless and irregular physical activity.

symptoms of delirium

Hyperactive irrational behavior

Vivid hallucinations

Hypertension

Tachycardia

Diaphoresis

Dilated pupils

You may use restraints only:

To protect yourself or others from bodily harm

To prevent the patient from injuring himself or herself

when restraining a patient

There should be 5 people to help, one for each extremity and one for the head.

level of force depends on

The degree of force that is necessary to keep the patient from injuring self and others

The patient’s sex, size, strength, and mental status

The type of abnormal behavior the patient is exhibiting

what is the single most significant factor that contributes to suicide?

depression

depression warning signs of suicide:

Air of tearfulness, sadness, deep despair, or hopelessness

Avoiding eye contact, speaking slowly, and projecting a sense of vacancy

Unable to talk about the future

Suggestion of suicide

Having any plans related to death

PTSD is when?

PTSD occurs after exposure to, or injury from, a traumatic event.

how many ppl of the general population will experience PTSD?

An estimated 7% to 8% of the general population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

Symptoms of PTSD

Helplessness

Anxiety

Anger

Fear

People with PTSD:

Frequently avoid reminders of the trauma, loud noises or smells, interactions with people

Suffer constant nervous system arousal

Can relive the traumatic event through thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks

Combat veterans are prone to:

Early heart disease

Higher incidence of type 2 diabetes

Loss of brain gray matter

Higher incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI)