Behavioral Health Emergencies

Behavioral crisis

The point at which a person’s reactions to events interfere with activities of daily living

Psychiatric disorder

Illness with psychological or behavioral symptoms and/or impairment in functioning caused by a social/psychological/genetic/physical/chemical/biological disturbance

Organic brain syndrome

Temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain, caused by a disturbance in the physical or physiologic functioning of brain tissue

Functional disorder

No known physiologic reason for the abnormal functioning of an organ or organ system

Acute psychosis

Mental disorder characterized by the loss of contact with reality

Schizophrenia

Complex, difficult-to-identify mental disorder

Delusions, hallucination, lack of interest in pleasure, erratic speech

Delirium

Temporary change in mental status characterized by disorganized thoughts, inattention, memory loss, disorientation, striking changes in personality/affect, hallucinations, delusions, or LOC

Agitation

Behavior characterized by restless/irregular physical activity

Excited delirium

Serious behavioral condition where a person exhibits agitated behavior combined with disorientation, hallucinations, or delusions

Restraint

5 people for each extremity, minimum force/restraint necessary, fowlers position

Violent signs

History, posture, scene, vocal activity, physical activity