Acute intoxication and substance abuse among patients presenting to a Psychiatric Emergency Service

摘要: Abstract It is common for patients to arrive at the Psychiatric Emergency Service (PES) under influence of a variety drugs. The purpose this study was 1) determine what impact there on PES who after engaging in substance abuse within 24 hours prior arrival; and 2) describe some parameters associated with mental illness setting. Consecutive evaluations done during month were reviewed retrospectively utilizing extensive material collected screening chart. Of 294 evaluations, 32.0% (n = 94) acute intoxication 17.0% 50) had primary diagnosis or dependence; 49 50 presented active abuse. Schizophrenic personality disorder significant levels (25.2%, 26103), whereas use rate quite low affective disorder, adjustment other diagnoses. Alcohol over-whelming drug choice by all diagnostic groups, making it difficult group differences drug. Both univariate multivariate studies demonstrate that regardless diagnosis, abusing substantial. They present high acuity (usually acutely suicidal), require behavior management, spend more time PES. However, they have much less need psychiatric hospitalization. In contrast, presenting psychosis also management needs, but these are very likely be hospitalized. These findings suggest an important role "filter" triage appropriate treatment setting fulfilled when able provide sufficient resources evaluation and/or stabilization.