Citation

Kumar S, Singh S, Deep R. Natl. Med. J. India 2018; 31(6): 339-342.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, New Delhi All India Institute of Medical Sciences)

DOI

10.4103/0970-258X.262895

PMID

31397365

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sparse data are available on service utilization, pattern and profile of mental and behavioural emergencies in India. We explored the pattern and clinical profile of consecutively referred psychiatric emergencies at a premier tertiary healthcare centre in India.
METHODS: We reviewed the consecutive referrals for acute mental and behavioural problems made by the emergency department and recorded in an emergency psychiatry register between January 2015 and January 2016.
RESULTS: Over a 1 3-month period, 666 patients were assessed; of whom 473 (71 %) had no prior/known psychiatric history and 84 (12.6%) had a comorbid medical condition. Nearly one-third of patients had potential legal issues associated with their emergency. The most common reasons for presentation were: an attempt at self-harm (130; 19.5%), aggression/agitation ( 122; 18.3%) and psychoactive substance use-related problems (69; 10.3%). Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (89; 13.4%) and mood disorders (87; 1 3.1%) formed the 2 most common diagnostic groups seen in emergency. Most commonly prescribed medications were benzodiazepines (296; 44.4%) followed by antipsychotics (187; 28.1%) and antidepressants (90; 13.5%). Notably, 11% of patients (76) were advised immediate admission under psychiatry, half of whom could be admitted directly from the emergency.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there is a need to optimize emergency mental healthcare and develop service delivery models for common psychiatric emergencies in India.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; India; Emergency Service, Hospital; Referral and Consultation; Acute Disease; Mental Disorders; Emergency Services, Psychiatric; Facilities and Services Utilization; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Tertiary Healthcare