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  • Title: Psychiatric emergencies: rapid response and life-saving therapies.
    Author: Kennedy GJ, Onuogu E, Lowinger R.
    Journal: Geriatrics; 1999 Sep; 54(9):38-42, 45-6. PubMed ID: 10494226.
    Abstract:
    Mental status in older patients can be acutely affected by a range of factors, particularly polypharmacy, disorders of cognition, psychosis, and elder abuse. Patients so affected may be agitated, uncooperative, combative, suicidal, or incapable of participating in treatment decisions. In a life-threatening emergency, a patient may need to be restrained or a treatment administered against a patient's wishes. Key to successful management of psychiatric emergencies is an awareness of the potential scenarios, familiarity with appropriate interventions, and an understanding of patient rights. An increased alertness for life-threatening behaviors can help prevent an event from worsening and minimize the likelihood of a patient acting out on a threat of violence or suicide.
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