Articles Tagged With: Psychiatric
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Autoimmune Encephalitis After Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis
A recent study showed that about 25% of patients with herpes simplex encephalitis develop neurological symptoms three to six weeks after the infection, pointing toward an autoimmune process with different neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Anti-neuronal antibodies, such as anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies, have been found in this post-viral autoimmune encephalitis presentation.
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Pediatric Mental Health in the Emergency Department
The increasing volume of children with mental health conditions across all acute care settings highlights the need for ED providers to be familiar with the most common mental health presentations in the pediatric population to effectively engage with and provide proper care for and disposition to this at-risk population. -
Some Psychiatric Patients Can Bypass ED Altogether
Researchers considered protocols that bypass the ED by allowing EMS to directly transport patients to a specialized regional center for evaluation of psychiatric emergencies. The protocols are somewhat controversial.
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Ethical Concerns About Surge of Involuntary Psychiatric Detention, Lack of Data
There is no national database on involuntary detentions. States and jurisdictions inconsistently report rates. States differ as to what label they use for detentions; whether they count events or unique persons; whether they report the age group (adult or child), sex, or ethnicity; whether the detention is short- or long-term; how long people are held; whether all eligible counties or institutions are reporting; who prepares the data; and time frames to release data.
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New Research Suggests More Data on Readmissions Can Help
A recent study of Medicare data revealed facilities have many opportunities to improve readmissions — to either a medical or psychiatric hospital — after psychiatric hospitalization.
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Chicago ED Accelerates Care, Improves Behavioral Health Prescribing Practices
The emergency department at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago has implemented a two-pronged approach aimed at improving the way behavioral health patients are managed. This includes a new risk-stratification process that categorizes patients as low-, moderate-, or high-risk based on their diagnosis, and also promotes using newer-generation antipsychotic drugs.
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Ethical Concerns When Committing Psychiatric Patients Involuntarily
Hospitals continue to see a surge of psychiatric patients coming to their EDs. Some end up admitted involuntarily — and not always appropriately. Certain emerging patterns are ethically troubling.
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Evidence-Based Approach to Psychosis in the Emergency Department
This article will review psychosis within myriad differentials and discuss the potential workup and medication options for the management of these patients to help equip the emergency provider with the tools necessary to care for this unique population.
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The Capacity Conundrum in Emergency Medicine
A patient’s capacity to give informed consent or to leave the emergency department against medical advice is a topic of great relevance to emergency clinicians. This article discusses the difference between competence and capacity and highlights the four essential elements involved in the assessment of a patient’s capacity.
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Suicide Assessment and Disposition
During the past 20 years, suicide has become recognized as a major public health concern. Focused medical assessment and suicide risk assessment in the emergency department can help determine whether a mental health consultation is required and whether patients need hospitalization.