The Many Faces of Pediatric Psychiatric Emergencies: Differential and Management

A psychiatric emergency is defined as a dangerous or life-threatening situation in which a youth needs immediate attention. Common types of psychiatric emergencies include safety concerns, violent behavior, and acute mental status changes (agitation or delirium). Although less common, psychiatric emergencies such as autoimmune encephalitis, catatonia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome can have fatal outcomes if they are unrecognized. This presentation focuses on the assessment and management of various pediatric psychiatric emergencies to include delirium, acute agitation and aggression, autoimmune encephalitis, malignant catatonia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Clinical Perspectives 22 Source Type: research