Conference paper
APPROACH TO EMERGENCIES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA IN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL "VRAPČE"
Ante Silić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2840-8836
; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
Aleksandar Savić
; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
Ilaria Čulo
; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
Suzana Kos
; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
Jakša Vukojević
; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
Daška Brumen
; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
Draženka Ostojić
; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Background: An emergency in psychiatric setting is any disorder in thought process, feelings and/or behavior of the patient that
requires urgent therapeutic intervention. In general, we can observe an increase in numbers of psychiatric emergencies throughout the world and in Croatia as well. Agitation and aggression are one of the most common causes of emergency in psychiatry. Agitation is common and frequent in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Patient can be agitated in various levels such as: mild, moderate or evere and can alternate between these levels in the same presentation. Agitated patients often require hospitalization that includes pharmacotherapy and sometimes physical restraining, in order to treat the cause of agitation and prevent auto and/or heterodestructive behavior.
Subjects and methods: In this paper we focus on patients suffering from schizophrenia that were admitted in University Hospital "Vrapče" in 2017, and assess the numbers through the criteria of voluntary vs. involuntary admissions and physical restraint usage.
Results: Out of total observations, 130 (35.6%) were patients admitted for the first time and 179 (49%) were patients later
diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Court ordered involuntary hospitalization was ordered for 35 (2.8%) patients out of total admitted patients, and 68.6% (N24) of them were diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Physical restraint was used for 122 patients out of total admissions and 28.7% (N35) of restrained patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.
Conclusions: Emergencies in patient suffering from schizophrenia are extremely delicate and demanding situations in every-day
clinical practice of psychiatrist. There is an increased risk involved for the patient but for the staff as well. All interventions should be individualized and patient should carefully monitored throughout the entire process. All professionals involved in care for a patient should be up to date with medical and legal issues.
Keywords
schizophrenia - psychotic disorders - psychomotor agitation - violence
Hrčak ID:
262897
URI
Publication date:
22.7.2018.
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