In many patients, their first psychiatric consultation happens as "an emergency"!
Common Mental Health Emergencies Are
Violence
Suicidal behaviour (talking or attempts)
Alcohol intoxications
Alcohol withdrawal
Drug intoxications
Drug withdrawal
Agitation
Delirium
Aggression
Panic attacks
Fainting
Hysterical seizures
Food refusal
Mutism / Inability to speak
Unresponsiveness
Continuous sleeplessness
Sudden alteration of behaviour
Refusal to talk
Psychogenic paralysis
Self-injurious behaviour
Loss of consciousness
Panic
Intense phobia
Any new client visiting Vazhikatti will be assessed quickly using the triage system for the need for emergency treatment and prioritization, and then the care plans will be initiated. Some may be sent to the in-patient ward immediately to reduce the distress of the patient and their family members and to prevent problems like aggression and violence.
Experienced staff are available round the clock in the In-Patient ward, which has the facility to admit distressed and disturbed patients directly. The goals are immediate relief, safety of the patient and their relatives, and prevention of worsening and complications.
There are acute care rooms, private rooms, semi-private rooms, special rooms, and general wards. Depending upon the nature and severity of the patient's condition, the treatment setting will be decided by the treating team.
