Review article

Intensive psychiatric care – psychiatric emergencies

Joško Prološčić ; Klinika za psihijatriju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Sandra Blažević Zelić ; Klinika za psihijatriju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Marija Vučić Peitl ; Klinika za psihijatriju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Ivana Ljubičić Bistrović ; Klinika za psihijatriju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka

Abstract

Intensive psychiatric care is a type of psychiatric treatment of patients conducted in
a closed psychiatric ward, and engages the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric emergencies.
Includes a comprehensive level of care, 24-hour observation, and the possibility of physical
restraint and isolation of patients in the event of loss of capacity for self-control. Psychiatric
disorders treated in such departments are deteriorating mental state within the various mental
disorders. The most common emergencies that require intensive psychiatric care are suicide,
auto and hetero aggressiveness and states of crisis. Examination of the patient includes
medical history, heteroanamnesis, description of psychiatric status, general and neurological
examination, laboratory tests, and sometimes CT and MRI of the brain. In order to take care of
urgent psychiatric patients in use is pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy (brief, individual dynamically
oriented, ventilation, debriefing, supportive and family psychotherapy), and sometimes
physical restraint and isolation of patients in isolation room because of possible danger to
himself and / or the environment. The principal members of the medical team are psychiatrists,
nurses and technicians who are highly qualified and trained in clinical psychiatry emergency
and will immediately determine procedure, diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
Time spent in psychiatric intensive care unit varies, but is usually from 2-6 days. By calming the
acute clinical picture which is the reason for admission to such department, the patient is
transferred to other psychiatric wards in accordance with its general mental and physical condition
and psychiatric diagnosis. Although it is generally thought that the procedures for intensive
psychiatric care is sometimes too hard or beyond the competence of personnel working
in such departments, they are medically necessary and justified.

Keywords

agressive behavior; psychiatric emergencies; psychiatric intensive care; suicidal behavior

Hrčak ID:

112539

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/112539

Publication date:

2.12.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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