Depression Tips

Depression Psychiatric Emergencies

November 29th, 2007

The patient on whom the focus of the emergency is laid may be

1. Planning to take his own life- suicidal
2. Very excited and violent- the over active patient
3. Very dull and depressed- the under-active patient
4. A person who has too much alcohol

General principles of management that has to be followed

1. Protect the patient from harming himself and others
2. Be gentle and behave with full authority with patient
3. Make sure that one of the family member is responsible for the patient
4. As soon as possible refer the health centre or hospital

The Suicidal Patient

The patient should be protected from his planned behavior at any cost. Sharp instruments and poisons should be kept out of his reach. The patient can be allowed to move here and there but under proper supervision and control until he is taken to the health centre or hospital.

The Over-Active Patient

He may be confused and aggressive. He is not able to control himself, but if he is made to control forcefully than he becomes brat. Stopping him forcefully should be the last option. Instead, try to

1. Handle the patient in a quite, calm manner.
2. The patient should be protected from harming himself and others, by being firm but gentle.
3. His attention should be diverted from time to time. Offer him something to eat or drink.
4. Prevent noise and also the place around the depressed should not be crowded but at least one of the family members is always with him.

The Under-Active Patient

The patient has adopted an abnormal behavior. He is not able to go to toilet and also spoiled his clothes.

1. Talk to the patient and continue in the same tone if he doesn’t respond.
2. Give him food to eat and feed him if necessary.

The Patient Who Has Too Much Alcohol

The patient may be confused, restless and having false beliefs. He may be abusive and may become violent. He may injure himself without any reason or may be suicidal. In order to bring him back to his normal behavior he should be calmed and make sure that he is consistently supervised.

Tags:  alcohol Depression family member general principles health centre poisons principles of management suicidal patient

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Entry Filed under: Depression