Psychiatric Emergencies
Definition of a Psychiatric Emergency. Symptoms and conditions behind psychiatric emergencies may include attempted suicide, substance dependence, alcohol intoxication, acute depression, presence of delusions, violence, panic attacks, and significant, rapid changes in behavior. Emergency psychiatry exists to identify and/or treat these symptoms and psychiatric conditions. In addition, several rapidly lethal medical conditions present themselves with common psychiatric symptoms. A physician’s or a nurse’s ability to identify and intervene with these and other medical conditions is critical.
If you have any of the below thoughts or issues dial 911:
When you feel you may hurt yourself
When you think you will hurt yourself
When you think you will hurt someone else
When you think you will cause harm to property or a person.
When your medication makes you feel ill.