Management of behavioral emergencies

Accurate diagnosis and a clear management approach are the most important considerations in caring for behaviorally disordered emergency department patients. Treating behavioral emergencies often precedes an accurate diagnosis. A useful approach is differentiating emergencies that need nonpharmacological intervention, minimal pharmacological intervention, or maximal pharmacological intervention. Conditions that require nonpharmacological interventions include suicidal state, homicidal state, self-neglect state, abuse state, and conditions primarily requiring an organic workup. Behavioral emergencies usually requiring minimal pharmacological intervention include adjustment disorder, acute grief, rape and assault, and borderline personality disorder. Behavioral emergencies requiring maximal pharmacological intervention include assault, agitated psychosis, exacerbation of bipolar disorder, exacerbation of schizophrenia, brief reactive psychosis, delirium, dementia, substance withdrawal, and substance intoxication accompanied by violent behavior.     

Exercise-induced bronchospasms in children

Exercise-induced bronchospasms (EIBs) are transient constrictions of the airways resulting from exercise. They often occur after 10 to 15 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise. EIBs are a very prevalent phenomenon. They occur in about 12% of the US pediatric population. Within this population, 30% of them may develop asthma. With proper pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, the symptoms of EIB can be properly managed. The roles of nurses in the management of EIB include: providing education in relation to the pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, and assisting parents and patients in setting realistic goals for activity and medication. With proper interventions, EIB should not limit either participation or success in activities.     

Nonpharmacological interventions for agitation in the adult intensive care unit: A systematic review

BackgroundPerson-centred nonpharmacological strategies should be used whenever possible to reduce agitation in the intensive care unit due to issues related to an overreliance on physical restraints and psychoactive drugs. However, the effect of nonpharmacological interventions to reduce agitation is unclear.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to systematically review studies that evaluate the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions designed to prevent and minimise or manage patient agitation in the adult intensive care unit.MethodsThis systematic review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute's Systematic Review of Effectiveness method and a priori PROSPERO protocol. Quantitative studies were identified from seven databases, including MEDLINE, EmCare, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. In addition, grey literature from several repositories and trial registers was searched. The primary outcome of interest was the effect on prevention, minimisation, and management of agitation. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsEleven studies were included (n = 882). Meta-analyses of two studies demonstrated significantly lower levels of agitation (measured with the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale) in the group receiving a multicomponent nonpharmacological intervention than in those receiving usual care. Individual studies showed a significant effect of nature-based sounds, music, foot reflexology, healing touch, and aromatherapy. The type of the endotracheal suction system did not affect levels of agitation. Overall, the certainty of the findings was rated very low. Harms and adverse effects were not reported in any studies.ConclusionsNonpharmacological interventions have the potential to reduce levels of agitation in the intensive care unit. However, inconsistencies in reporting, low quality of methodological designs, and small sample sizes impact the certainty of the results. Future trials must include larger sample sizes, use rigorous methods to improve knowledge in this field, and consider a range of other outcomes.     

Pharmacological management of psychiatric disorders among cancer patients

Approximately half of patients actually die from cancer even today, and many cancer patients require care for psychological distress. From the viewpoint of psychiatric diagnosis, the most common psychiatric conditions experienced by cancer patients are adjustment disorders, major depression, and delirium. Appropriate pharmacological treatment as well as psychotherapy and/or supportive intervention should be provided for cancer patients with these psychiatric disorders. Psychotropic medication including benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and major antipsychotics are usually provided depending on each patient's symptoms. This review focuses on the psychiatric disorders experienced by cancer patients and provides an overview regarding appropriate pharmacological interventions for psychiatric disorders among cancer patients.     

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ADHD continues to be one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and is recognized increasingly as a common psychiatric disorder in adults. Diagnosis of the disorder requires careful consideration of other psychiatric and medical disorders that may mimic symptoms of ADHD. Comorbid disorders are common in patients with ADHD and require careful attention. A recommended diagnostic evaluation for children and adults includes the completion of a psychiatric interview, rating scales from multiple informants, and often individually tailored psychologic testing. Pharmacologic treatment options include the first-line stimulant agents for adults and children and TCAs and atypical antidepressants as second-line agents. Behavioral interventions may help reduce ADHD symptoms and address comorbid conditions in children. Future research is needed to identify the optimal psychosocial treatment for adults with ADHD.     

Contemporary management of neuropathic pain for the primary care physician

Neuropathic pain (NP), caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction in the nervous system, affects approximately 4 million people in the United States each year. It is associated with many diseases, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, human immunodeficiency virus-related disorders, and chronic radiculopathy. Major pathophysiological mechanisms include peripheral sensitization, sympathetic activation, disinhibition, and central sensitization. Unlike most acute pain conditions, NP is extremely difficult to treat successfully with conventional analgesics. This article introduces a contemporary management approach, that is, one that incorporates nonpharmacological, pharmacological, and interventional strategies. Some nonpharmacological management strategies include patient education, physical rehabilitation, psychological techniques, and complementary medicine. Pharmacological strategies include the use of first-line agents that have been supported by randomized controlled trials. Finally, referral to a pain specialist may be indicated for additional assessment, interventional techniques, and rehabilitation. Integrating a comprehensive approach to NP gives the primary care physician and patient the greatest chance for success.     

Approach to the Agitated Emergency Department Patient

Background

Acute agitation is a common occurrence in the emergency department (ED) that requires rapid assessment and management.

The treatment of depression in cancer patients: a systematic review

Goals of the work: To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for depression in cancer populations. Materials and methods: The Supportive Care Guidelines Group conducted a systematic review of the published literature through June 2005. Search sources includes MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library. Comparative studies of treatments for depression in cancer patients were selected for review by two group members based on predefined criteria. Main results: Seven trials of pharmacological agents and four of nonpharmacological interventions were identified. Two trials detected a significant reduction in depressive symptoms for mianserin compared with placebo, and one trial found alprazolam to be superior to progressive muscle relaxation. Four drug trials found no significant difference between groups on depression measures although posttreatment reduction of symptoms was observed for all groups in two trials comparing active treatments (fluoxetine vs desipramine and paroxetine vs amitriptyline). Of the four trials involving nonpharmacological therapies for the management of depression, two detected a benefit for treatment (a multicomponent nurse delivered intervention and an orientation program) over usual care. Conclusion: There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions in the treatment of cancer patients with depressive disorders, and no evidence for the superiority of one treatment modality over another. Based on evidence from the general population and other medically ill populations, combined approaches to the treatment of depression may be the most effective. Further research is necessary in cancer patients to determine the relative effectiveness of psychosocial, pharmacological, and combined treatments. A paper presented as an invited lecture at the MASCC/ISOO 18th International Symposium of Supportive Care in Cancer in Toronto, Canada, June 2006, was based in part on this review. A complete list of Supportive Care Guidelines Group members is available at: .     

Consensus for the pharmacological management of insomnia in the new millennium

Insomnia, a common symptom throughout the world, is characterised by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or non-restorative sleep and is associated with significant morbidity. A comprehensive medical and sleep history and physical examination are necessary before treating patients with insomnia; the presence of co-morbidities, including medical and psychiatric disorders, or the possible use of substances that may contribute to sleeplessness should be thoroughly investigated. Non-pharmacological approaches include correction of sleep hygiene as well as behavioural treatments. Pharmacotherapy includes benzodiazepine-receptor agonists, which are the drugs of choice for this disorder. They can be subdivided into classic benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Although many agents in these classes have been prescribed, potential shortcomings include residual sedation, rebound insomnia, and psychomotor and memory impairment. Novel pharmacological strategies that address limitations of the traditional treatment approach, combined with proven modes of behavioural therapy, offer the most successful results in the management of insomnia. These advances provide the opportunity to establish these current recommendations for the optimal management of insomnia. This report from the XXII Collegium Internationale Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum Consensus Workshop outlines recommendations to serve as the foundation for developing a therapeutic plan for each patient.     

Unexplained Syncope: Clinical Management

The management of unexplained syncope begins with the patient's history and physical examination, which are oriented to help separate benign from serious causes. Malignant etiologies are more likely to occur with exertional syncope. Cardiac causes should be considered, particularly cardiomyopathy, postoperative congenital heart disease, right ventricular dysplasia, anomalous coronary artery, pulmonary artery hypertension, myocarditis, long QT syndrome, and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Neurological and metabolic disorders may underlie a syncope episode. After malignant causes of syncope have been excluded and the diagnosis of neurocardiac syncope has been established, treatment strategies include behavior modification, salt and increased fluids, and pharmacological agents. Efficacious agents include β-blockers, dysopyramide, fludrocortisones, and alpha agents. Yet, behavior modification alone may be as effective as salt or pharmacological therapy. Because the natural history of neurocardiac syncope in children is spontaneous resolution, it is appropriate to try the simple measures before introducing drug therapy.     

Mental health literacy survey of psychiatrically and generally trained nurses employed in a Singapore psychiatric hospital

Mental health literacy studies consider the capacity of respondents to recognize certain psychiatric disorders, judge the comparative utility of a range of interventions, and make estimates about outcome and prognostic issues. We report such a study involving a sample of nursing staff employed at a large psychiatric institution in Singapore, and who were provided with separate brief vignettes of mania, schizophrenia and depression. Subjects were highly accurate in 'diagnosing' schizophrenia, less accurate for depression and even less accurate in diagnosing mania. Depression was alternately diagnosed as stress, mania was most commonly misdiagnosed as schizophrenia, and for both psychotic conditions, a percentage returned non-psychotic diagnoses. In terms of treatment options, staff distinctly favoured a 'medical model' and viewed traditional and alternative healing options as distinctly harmful. Analyses contrasted psychiatrically trained and generally trained nurses, but identified few significant differences. Such information has the potential to shape the education and training of mental health professional staff, as well as provide important insights about how nurses may diagnose, view and favour alternative treatments and strategies to assist those with common psychiatric disorders.     

Delirium in the elderly

Delirium, an acute confusional state, is an organic brain syndrome that manifests deficits in attention, irrelevant or rambling speech, and other cognitive deficits. Its symptoms often fluctuate over the course of the day, and patients may be hyperactive--for example, restless and screaming--or hypoactive--for example, quiet, inactive, and stuporous. Occurring in approximately 20% of hospitalized elderly patients, delirium is the most common psychiatric syndrome in acutely ill general medical and surgical patients. Fifteen to 30% of delirious patients expire, and others are prone to a variety of complications: falls, pressure ulcers, oversedation, dehydration, and others. Almost any acute illness can cause delirium in the elderly, but the most common offenders are acute infections and drugs. Many patients have a pre-existing dementia. The first step in arriving at a correct diagnosis is to distinguish delirium from other psychiatric syndromes that can cause confusion, such as dementia, depression, schizophrenia, and mania. Once delirium is established, a comprehensive general examination and a mental status examination is required. Routine laboratory and radiologic tests are directed at the common metabolic and infectious disorders that precipitate delirium. Treatment is directed at the underlying acute illness. In all patients, it is important (1) to treat the underlying acute illness, (2) to provide appropriate fluid and electrolytes, (3) to discontinue any unnecessary drugs, and (4) to allay the patient's fear and agitation through the use of simple, repetitive instructions, orientation cues, and by limiting the use of physical restraints. If psychotropic medications are needed to treat psychotic symptoms, to prevent patients from harming themselves or others, or to facilitate necessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, then haloperidol is the drug of choice in most instances. Drugs with anticholinergic properties should be avoided.     

Update on the evaluation and management of functional dyspepsia

Dyspepsia affects up to 40 percent of adults each year and is often diagnosed as functional (nonulcer) dyspepsia. The defining symptoms are postprandial fullness, early satiation, or epigastric pain or burning in the absence of causative structural disease. These symptoms may coexist with symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as anxiety and depression. The history and physical examination can help identify other possible causes of the symptoms. Warning signs of serious disease, such as cancer, are unintended weight loss, progressive dysphagia, persistent vomiting, evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding, and a family history of cancer. In these cases, more extensive laboratory investigation, imaging, and endoscopy should be considered as clinically indicated. During the initial evaluation, a test-and-treat strategy to identify and eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection is more effective than empiric treatment and more cost-effective than initial endoscopy. Eradication of H. pylori helps one out of 15 patients with functional dyspepsia diagnosed by endoscopy, but may not be cost-effective. Treatment options that may be beneficial for functional dyspepsia include histamine H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetic agents. Although psychotropic medications and psychological interventions have no proven benefit in patients with functional dyspepsia, they are appropriate for treating common psychiatric comorbidities.     

Agitation as a nursing-sensitive patient outcome in the neurologic patient population

Clinically, nursing has long recognized agitation as a significant patient problem. The adverse effects of agitation are well documented and include increased morbidity and mortality, patient self-injury, increased nursing resources, and increased length of stay. Agitation, however, can be influenced by the nursing care given, and alterations in levels of agitation can provide a measure for the effectiveness of nursing care to reduce agitation and prevent associated complications. This article presents a definition of agitation as a nursing-sensitive patient outcome in the neurologically impaired patient population. The author describes nursing interventions to prevent or reduce agitation, examines current tools to measure agitation, and offers recommendations for further research.     

Aggressive behavior after traumatic brain injury

IntroductionIn cases of agitation and aggressive behavior after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), the benefits/risks ratio of pharmacological treatments remains unclear. A qualitative analysis of clinical situations could highlight the relevance of psychotherapy care.Case reportIn January 2005, this 24-year-old patient sustained severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow at 4/15), with bilateral frontotemporal injury and temporal extradural hematoma. On the third day, a temporal lobectomy was performed. The patient's evolution showed severe neurobehavioral disorders, with agitation and aggressive behavior towards family members and medical caregivers. Maximum doses of antipsychotic drugs brought no improvement. Antidepressant medication improved social contact. Several stays in the psychiatric unit, where institutionalized and psychotherapy care were implemented, showed systematically a real improvement of the behavioral disorders, increased participation in group activities and the ability to walk around alone in a closed environment.Discussion/conclusionAggressive behavior can unveil organic brain injuries, depressive syndrome as well as iatrogenic nature of the environment. This clinical case is based on the fact that antipsychotic drugs, aside from their sedative effect, are not the proper treatment for agitation following traumatic brain injury. This case also highlights how management of behavioral disorders following TBI should not be based on pharmacological treatments only but instead should focus on multidisciplinary strategies of care.     

Clinical review: Agitation and delirium in the critically ill – significance and management

Agitation is a psychomotor disturbance characterized by a marked increase in motor and psychological activity in a patient. It occurs very frequently in the intensive care setting. It may be isolated, or accompanied by other mental disorders, such as severe anxiety and delirium. Frequently, agitation is a sign of brain dysfunction and, as such, may have adverse consequences, for at least two reasons. First, agitation can interfere with the patient's care and second, there is evidence demonstrating that the prognosis of agitated (and delirious) patients is worse than that of non-agitated (non-delirious) patients. These conditions are often under-diagnosed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Consequently, a systematic evaluation of this problem in ICU patients should be conducted. Excellent tools are presently available for this purpose. Treatment, including prevention, must be undertaken without delay, and the ICU physician should follow logical, strict and systematic rules when applying therapy.     

Psychiatric disorders in the elderly. Psychopharmacologic management

Psychiatric management of elderly patients is a challenging task because of the many age-related physiologic changes and medical problems in this population. Thorough patient evaluation is essential to rule out somatic disorders and determine underlying causes. Somatic complaints must be taken seriously, even if a patient is receiving treatment for a psychiatric disorder. Psychotropic therapy is used mainly for controlling depression, agitation, and psychotic symptoms. If psychiatric symptoms persist or become worse, psychotropics should be discontinued to prevent possible drug toxicity (eg, anticholinergic delirium) and psychiatric consultation should be requested.     

Optimal management of shivering during therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest

Both pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods are used to control shivering in therapeutic hypothermia. An evidence-based protocol based on the most current research has been developed for the management of shivering during therapeutic hypothermia. Meperidine is the drug of choice and provides the greatest reduction in the shivering threshold. Other effective pharmacological agents recommended for reducing the threshold include dexmedetomidine, midazolam, fentanyl, and magnesium sulfate. In addition, skin counterwarming techniques, such as use of an air-circulating blanket, are effective nonpharmacological methods for reducing shivering when used in conjunction with medication. As a last resort, neuromuscular blocking agents are considered appropriate therapy for management of refractory shivering.     

Clinical review: Agitation and delirium in the critically ill – significance and management

Agitation is a psychomotor disturbance characterized by a marked increase in motor and psychological activity in a patient. It occurs very frequently in the intensive care setting. It may be isolated, or accompanied by other mental disorders, such as severe anxiety and delirium. Frequently, agitation is a sign of brain dysfunction and, as such, may have adverse consequences, for at least two reasons. First, agitation can interfere with the patient's care and second, there is evidence demonstrating that the prognosis of agitated (and delirious) patients is worse than that of non-agitated (non-delirious) patients. These conditions are often under-diagnosed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Consequently, a systematic evaluation of this problem in ICU patients should be conducted. Excellent tools are presently available for this purpose. Treatment, including prevention, must be undertaken without delay, and the ICU physician should follow logical, strict and systematic rules when applying therapy.     

Clinical review: agitation and delirium in the critically ill--significance and management

Agitation is a psychomotor disturbance characterized by a marked increase in motor and psychological activity in a patient. It occurs very frequently in the intensive care setting. It may be isolated, or accompanied by other mental disorders, such as severe anxiety and delirium. Frequently, agitation is a sign of brain dysfunction and, as such, may have adverse consequences, for at least two reasons. First, agitation can interfere with the patient's care and second, there is evidence demonstrating that the prognosis of agitated (and delirious) patients is worse than that of non-agitated (non-delirious) patients. These conditions are often under-diagnosed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Consequently, a systematic evaluation of this problem in ICU patients should be conducted. Excellent tools are presently available for this purpose. Treatment, including prevention, must be undertaken without delay, and the ICU physician should follow logical, strict and systematic rules when applying therapy.